Coaches, Food Vendors Face Penalties Under Proposed Anti-Doping Law

Sports stakeholders in Trans-Nzoia and Bungoma counties have backed proposed changes to Kenya’s anti-doping legislation.

The support emerged during public participation forums organised by the National Assembly’s Sports and Culture Committee in Kitale and Bungoma on Monday, October 26.

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Participants said the Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2026, would promote fair competition and protect athletes who compete without using prohibited substances.

Coaches, athletes and sports administrators who attended the meetings, chaired by Malava MP David Ndakwa, called for stronger accountability measures to ensure that individuals who facilitate doping are held responsible for their actions.

Basketball coach Bintiah Kiarie welcomed provisions seeking to expand the law’s reach to coaches and other individuals involved in promoting doping, saying those who encourage athletes to use prohibited substances should face the consequences.

"Coaches have been the main culprits in promoting doping among the players they train so that they can achieve success unfairly at the expense of the athletes’ reputation. It is good that, if the law is enacted, they will not go scot-free," she said.

Football coach Tobias Onjila also endorsed the proposed legislation but raised concerns about safeguarding athletes’ privacy under provisions that would permit random and unannounced doping tests.

Onjila further urged authorities to step up public education on the proposed law and the dangers of doping, suggesting that sporting competitions could be used to reach athletes and other stakeholders with awareness messages.

"The law needs to protect coaches and players from witch-hunts by rivals who may take advantage of it," he added.

Former rugby player Mark Sawa called for the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to expand its presence beyond Nairobi, arguing that a decentralised structure would improve its ability to monitor and educate athletes across the country.

Sawa said the agency needed a stronger presence in counties where athletes and sports administrators operate to make its anti-doping activities more effective.

"Players and sports administrators engaging in doping are in the counties, yet ADAK is stationed in Nairobi. The law should propose devolving the Agency to make it more efficient in carrying out its mandate," he stated.

Ndakwa, who attended the engagements alongside Catherine Omanyo and Elsie Muhanda, thanked participants for their views and explained that the proposed amendments were intended to reinforce Kenya’s legal framework for combating doping in sports.

"The amendments seek to align Kenyan laws with the revised World Anti-Doping Code, which takes effect on 1st January next year," he said.

Meanwhile, Athletics Kenya (AK) has broken its silence following the provisional suspension of seasoned marathon runner Peres Chepchirchir.

In a statement on Monday, October 26, the governing body said it remained committed to ensuring fairness and integrity in competition despite the development involving the high-profile athlete.

"While it is unfortunate to receive such news regarding a high-profile athlete, Athletics Kenya remains firm in its stance on promoting clean sport and ensuring a level playing field for all competitors," the statement read.

AK clarified that the testing procedures and subsequent provisional suspension were handled directly by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU)

The federation said the process was conducted in accordance with established anti-doping regulations, international standards and lawful case management protocols.

"Athletics Kenya notes that the testing procedures and subsequent provisional suspension were conducted directly by the AIU, as the designated Testing Authority, in accordance with the established anti-doping regulations, international standards, and lawful case management protocols," the statement added.

AK reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on doping, pledging to continue educating athletes and strengthening testing frameworks to safeguard the credibility of the sport.

"Athletics Kenya reiterates its unwavering policy of zero tolerance to doping. We remain committed to educating athletes, strengthening testing frameworks, and ensuring that fairness and integrity remain at the heart of Kenyan athletics," the statement concluded.