Anti Doping: Wada President Banka Jets In To Evaluate Kenya’s Ongoing Anti-Doping Reforms
World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) President Witold Banka when he landed at the JKIA Airport in Nairobi to assess ongoing Kenya’s Anti-Doping Reforms. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO
Banka is expected to have fruitful discussions with Kenyan athletes and President William Ruto before he jets out of the country on Wednesday.
By Lopez Atieno
NAIROBI, Kenya- World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) President Witold Banka has jetted into the country to evaluate ongoing Kenya’s reforms on anti doping matters.
Banka, who landed in the country on Sunday morning, is expected to review the anti doping frame work being put across by the Anti Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to strengthen Kenya’s relationship with Wada.
The polish, who took over the helm at Wada in 2020 and is currently serving his final term, will also discuss and assess corrective audit measures following prior recommendations placed on Kenya by the global body last year.
“It’s my first time in the country, Kenya, the home of champions. It’s a beautiful nation.
“I hope the next two days will be fruitful as we dwell on issues meant to strengthen the fight against doping in the country,” Banka told Standard Sports at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport upon landing.
“We want all athletes, including Kenyan participants, to compete on a level playground across the globe. I believe this is possible in Kenya with support of the State and Adak,” Banka said.
In the course of his visit, Banka has planned a meet up with Kenyan athletes to pick their views on the ongoing anti doping reforms.
Song and dance as World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) President Witold Banka when he landed at the JKIA Airport in Nairobi to assess ongoing Kenya’s Anti-Doping Reforms. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO
After establishing views put a cross by the athletes, he will meet, share and have further discussions with President William Ruto and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to explore more ways in which to strengthen Kenya’s fight on doping menace.
Kenya was officially removed from the Wada’s compliance watchlist in March 2026 after the country successfully implemented key corrective actions and structural reforms through Adak.
In 2024, Wada had pointed 35 critical gaps revolving on legislation, governance, operational independence and testing that had put Adak’s proficiency in disrepute.
In 2025, Kenya escaped Wada’s non-compliance sanctions and was placed placed on the compliance watchlist with very strict deadline to correct the anomalies.
Wada’s President Witold Banka selected itinerary
-Tour of the Nairobi National Park
-Steer workshop/ seminar on Kenya’s anti doping reforms at Kempinski (closed door)
-Meet and hold discussions with Kenyan athletes
-Meet and hold discussions with President William Ruto
-Meet and hold discussions with Sports C.S Salim Mvurya
-Hold joint press conference with Adak at Kempinski
