World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Bańka has challenged Kenya to take the lead in Africa’s fight against the vice, saying the country’s rich athletics heritage places it in a unique position to champion clean sport.Bańka made the call on Monday night during an executive dinner hosted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports to welcome him to Kenya, where he is undertaking a high-level two-day visit focused on strengthening the country’s anti-doping programme and advancing the commitment to clean, fair and credible sport.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsAddressing sports leaders and stakeholders, Bańka said Kenya’s long history of producing world-class athletes should be matched by an equally strong culture of clean sport.“I really like the slogan of proud Kenyans. You describe yourselves as the proud home of champions. But every home has to have a good host, and every home has to be clean. That is why, together, we need to instill a culture of clean sport. We need to build strong policies to show the world that proud Kenyans can win medals without doping,” Bańka said.##NAJAVA_MECA_10011837##The WADA boss pointed to Kenya’s numerous Olympic and World Championship successes, urging the country to celebrate its clean achievements and use its sporting legacy to inspire a new generation.“You have so many heroes, so many medals, so many achievements, and so many legends in the history of your country who have cleanly won medals. This is the history and culture that you should definitely promote,” he added.Bańka stressed that collaboration among governments, anti-doping organisations, sports federations and athletes would be critical in winning the fight against doping.“Anti-doping is all about collaboration. We cannot achieve our mission if we do not collaborate. I think we all share the same values, the values of sport,” he said.Collen Kebinatshipi reveals next target after dominant seasonHe further challenged Kenya to use the support of its government and sports institutions to become a model for other countries on the continent.“I believe that, with strong support from the government, starting with His Excellency the President through the Ministry, our friends from the Olympic Committee, ADAK, and the different federations, Kenya can be a role model for the region in how to fight against doping effectively,” Bańka offered.The dinner brought together key figures in Kenya’s sporting landscape, including Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei, Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) Board Chairman Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu, Ag. CEO Peninah Wahome, WADA Africa Director Rodney Swigelaar, Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO) Africa representative Christine Mugera, rugby legend and clean sport champion Humphrey Kayange, Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala and javelin legend Julius Yego.WADA boss in Kenya as country steps up fight against dopingBańka’s visit comes at a significant moment for Kenyan sport, with the country preparing to make history by hosting the World Athletics Championships in 2029; the first African nation to stage the global athletics showpiece.With Kenya’s growing responsibility as a host and global athletics powerhouse, Bańka said the country must ensure its anti-doping efforts match its reputation on the track.“WADA’s role is to maintain and build a fair field for athletes, to make sure that all athletes compete under the same rules, regulations, and standards,” he said.Kenyan veteran breaks World Record in SpainHe further urged Kenyans to embrace their clean-sport successes and make them part of the country’s sporting identity.“Promote your clean achievements and clean medals, and continue building the history of your country. Be proud of yourselves. Be proud of the fact that you are Kenyans, and promote everything good for sport,” Bańka added.As part of his visit, the WADA boss had a session with Kenyan athletes on Tuesday, 6 October.
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