World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Bańka has arrived in Kenya for a three-day official visit focused on the country’s efforts to strengthen the fight against doping and protect the integrity of sport.
Bańka arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday morning, where he was received by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi alongside officials from the Ministry of Sports and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).
The visit is Bańka’s first official trip to Kenya and comes as the country continues to strengthen its anti-doping systems, particularly in athletics.
During his stay, the WADA president is expected to hold consultations with officials from the Ministry of Sports, ADAK, athletes, sports federations, security agencies and other institutions involved in the fight against doping.
Bańka is also expected to meet President William Ruto and address the media on Tuesday at the conclusion of his engagements.
The discussions are expected to focus on Kenya’s progress in implementing anti-doping measures, protecting athletes and strengthening cooperation between national institutions and international anti-doping authorities.
Kenya has faced increased scrutiny over doping in athletics in recent years. ADAK maintains a national Registered Testing Pool for high-priority athletes who are subject to targeted in-competition and out-of-competition testing.
ADAK also continues to publish sanctions and provisional suspensions involving athletes accused of anti-doping rule violations, reflecting the agency’s ongoing enforcement activities.
The visit comes after Kenya previously faced concerns over compliance with international anti-doping requirements. In 2025, WADA President Bańka said Kenya had moved from non-compliance to a watch-list status after the country committed to addressing outstanding issues.
The WADA chief’s latest visit is therefore expected to provide an opportunity to assess progress and discuss areas requiring further action.
Kenya’s athletics sector remains particularly important to the anti-doping campaign because of the country’s strong international presence in distance running.
According to the information provided by Kenyan sports authorities, Kenya remains in Category A under the Athletics Integrity Unit’s monitoring arrangements because of concerns over doping in athletics.
Bańka’s meetings with government officials, athletes and sports stakeholders are expected to provide an opportunity for WADA to assess the measures being implemented and identify areas where additional cooperation may be required.
The visit comes as Kenya prepares for continued implementation of anti-doping programmes aimed at promoting clean sport and protecting the reputation of its athletes on the international stage.