Anti-doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) CEO Sarah Shibutse has warned that Kenya will not be allowed to host any international events including but not limited to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the African Nations Championship (CHAN), both of which Kenya has already secured the rights to host.
Shibutse told Members of Parliament (MPs) on Wednesday that the huge budget cuts subjected to the agency had stalled several essential operations and if the situation persisted then the World Anti-doping Authority (WADA) would declare Kenya non-compliant.
This, Shibutse said, would lead to several ramifications including Kenyan athletes being barred from competing in international competitions.
Shibutse further stated that due to the high cost of conducting doping tests which stands at Ksh50,000, the organisation does not have funds to spare to test all footballers, saying, "We don't have money to test national football team players who will also take part in CHAN," she said.
“The ramifications of a declaration of non-compliance by WADA means that no Kenyan athlete will be eligible to participate in any international competitions,” Shibutse stated.
She faulted the National Treasury for being responsible for the dire situation the agency was facing by effecting steep budget cuts of up to Ksh208 million and only leaving them with a meager Ksh20 million. The official went ahead to implore the National Assembly's Sports and Culture Committee to intervene on their behalf.
Making the situation even more dire, Shibutse told the MPs that the landlord at their headquarters in Parklands had given them notice as they have yet to clear their rent arrears from July. Their internet has also been disconnected.
In order to save the sports sector from succumbing to financial ruin and prevent the country from losing the gains it has made so far in dealing with the vice, Shibutse urged the committee to take necessary steps before it is too late.
"Taking cognizance of the potential pitfalls that may occur, the Agency is therefore pleading with the Committee to intervene and urge the National Treasury to reconsider this funding gap and reinstate the budget for the Agency in order to protect Kenyan athletes and other players and the country at large from facing sanctions," she said.
The committee, chaired by Marsabit’s Naomi Waqo, acknowledged the grievances and noted that the role of the agency was critical and the matter needs urgent attention.
"The Committee has noted with concern grave matters raised by the CEO. We will seek ways of having the Sports Fund support the Agency financially," Waqo declared.
Last year, Kenya alongside Uganda and Tanzania won the bid to host AFCON games in 2027 making history as the first trio to do so. The trio will also be co-hosting the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2025 slated to take place between February 1 to 28.
However, it remains to be seen what the ADAK CEO's pronouncement means for Kenya's plans to host the two tournaments.
