Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed doping allegations surrounding Kenya’s bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, insisting that the Government remains committed to fighting the use of banned substances in sport.
Murkomen said Kenya had been transparent in its anti-doping efforts and maintained that claims questioning the country’s commitment to combating doping were without merit.
“The issue has been brought out because we are a very serious country when it comes to doping. We do not hide anything,” Murkomen said.
The CS said the Government had continued to crack down on pharmacists and other individuals suspected of facilitating doping-related activities.
Murkomen spoke in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, during the launch of the Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament, a multi-county competition targeting athletes and teams at the grassroots level.
The tournament will feature football, volleyball, athletics and basketball for both men and women across Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi counties.
The competition is scheduled to begin at ward level on September 26, with the volleyball Inter-County Finals set for October 19 and the football finals on October 20. The Iten Marathon will be held on October 18.
A total of KSh63 million has been allocated as prize money across the various competitions.
Murkomen said elaborate measures had been put in place to ensure that only eligible players participate, funds are properly utilised and cheating is prevented throughout the competition.
He said up to KSh60 million of the prize money would go directly to participants, with the organisers seeking to ensure that the benefits reach competitors at the grassroots.
“We will not allow professional players to participate,” Murkomen said, adding that an ICT-based system had been established to help prevent cases of cheating and ensure the integrity of the tournament.
The CS further said officials involved in organising the competition had been withdrawn from their regular public service duties and would not receive allowances from the prize money.
He said the measure was intended to minimise administrative costs and prevent the diversion or wastage of funds meant for participants.
The launch brought together leaders from the three participating counties, including Governors Jonathan Bii, Wisley Rotich and Stephen Sang, as well as Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea, Members of Parliament, county speakers, county commissioners and Members of County Assemblies.
The tournament is expected to provide a platform for sporting talent at the grassroots while promoting competition and community participation ahead of this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.
