Kenya’s 2029 World Championships bid in jeopardy after WADA declares ADAK non-compliant
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 12.09.25. | 15:30
The consequences, set to take effect on 2 October 2025, could see Kenya barred from being awarded the right to host future regional, continental, or world championships, as well as other international events, until ADAK’s reinstatement
Kenya’s hopes of hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships are under serious threat after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) declared the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) non-compliant with its global code.
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In a statement released Thursday, 11 September, WADA’s Executive Committee confirmed it had adopted recommendations from its independent Compliance Review Committee after ADAK failed to address critical shortcomings flagged in an audit conducted in May 2024.
“The ExCo followed the recommendations from the independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) to allege the Kenyan National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) as non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) as it has still not addressed several critical requirements following an audit carried out by WADA in May 2024,” read part of the statement.
The consequences, set to take effect on 2 October 2025, could see Kenya barred from being awarded the right to host future regional, continental, or world championships, as well as other international events, until ADAK’s reinstatement.
That would deliver a devastating blow to Kenya’s ambition to bring the World Athletics Championships to Africa for the first time.
Nairobi formally submitted its bid for the 2029 edition, with the news breaking just a day before the 2025 Worlds kick off in Tokyo, Japan.
Under Article 9.3.1 of the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS), ADAK has 21 days from receipt of the formal notice to dispute WADA’s allegation of non-compliance, as well as the proposed sanctions and reinstatement conditions.
“It should be noted that the decision (including the consequences) will enter into force on 2 October 2025, unless the decision is challenged before the same date,” WADA clarified.
If upheld, ADAK would lose all WADA privileges, including funding and participation in agency programs.
Kenyan representatives would also be barred from serving on WADA boards or committees.
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“It is always disappointing when a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code is alleged to be non-compliant,” WADA Director General Olivier Niggli said.
“However, it is crucially important for the global system that anti-doping organizations are held to the same high standards that we expect from athletes.
We will continue to work with all non-compliant organizations to improve their programs so they can address their non-conformities and restore their compliance status for the good of athletes inside those countries and internationally.”
Should ADAK remain non-compliant for six months, its testing and results management activities will come under third-party supervision at its own expense, including up to six site visits annually.
If deficiencies persist for 12 months, the Kenyan flag would not be displayed at regional, continental, or world championships, including the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
