Kenya’s Deaflympics team has completed a four-day intensive anti-doping workshop in Nairobi, part of an ongoing effort to ensure clean competition at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Games.
The training, organised by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, brought together athletes, coaches, and team officials at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Officials say the aim is to protect athletes’ careers and the country’s reputation by promoting a strong anti-doping culture ahead of the global event.
“This training has helped us understand what substances to avoid,” said team captain Isaac Atima, who will compete in the men’s 400m and 400m hurdles. “As athletes, we need to run clean and rely on our training, not on banned substances.”
Atima urged his teammates to stay vigilant, warning that even unintentional use of prohibited substances could derail promising careers.
His co-captain, Linet Nanjala, echoed the sentiment:
“In the past, I wasn’t fully aware of anti-doping rules. Now I am, and I encourage my teammates to win medals the right way — clean and proud.”
Veteran athlete Beryl Wamira said the sessions deepened her understanding of anti-doping procedures, helping her distinguish between approved supplements and banned substances.
Kenya’s Deaf Athletics coach, Samuel Kibet, welcomed the initiative, saying it came at a crucial time when the country continues to battle global scrutiny over doping cases in mainstream athletics.
“We thank God we’ve never had such issues in deaf athletics,” he said. “This training ensures our athletes remain informed and that our sport stays clean.”
The workshop follows a series of compliance challenges faced by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya. Just last month, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) extended Kenya’s deadline to fully align with international regulations, giving ADAK more time to strengthen oversight and education.Kenya will compete in five disciplines at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics, scheduled for 15–26 November athletics, swimming, golf, women’s basketball, and men’s handball.
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