Kenya to participate in Rio Olympics despite WADA ruling - IAAF

Following the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) declaration that Kenya is in violation of doping laws, Kenya was cleared by the IAAF on Friday to compete in the Rio Olympics.

The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) said in a statement that WADA’s action is a further reflection of the IAAF’s concerns about the level of commitment to anti-doping at the national level in Kenya.

Kenya’s athletic community was concerned about the developments taking place in the sport. Athletics officials as well as former champions called for urgent intervention.

“I’m calling all the federations to meet tomorrow and go through that document and also produce a paper that we can send to World Anti-doping and a copy to our ministry of sports and the government of Kenya,” said the Kenya National Olympics Committee Chairman, Kipchoge Keino.

Kenya’s Sports Minister Hassan Wario on Friday said his country has sought an urgent meeting with WADA over compliance issues.

“Kenya will work with WADA to settle the concerns it has raised. Meanwhile the government has sought an urgent meeting with WADA to review the few remaining areas of concern and secure a review of its decision,” the minister said at a press conference in Nairobi.

Elite athletes in the country are the most tested athletes of any country by the IAAF.

Kenya is globally acclaimed for its middle and long distance running prowess and the country got a reprieve on Friday after the IAAF cleared its athletes for the Rio Olympics in August.

Reuters, Press Agencies