April 22, 2016

Summary

President Kenyatta signs anti-doping laws. The new legislation brings Kenya in line with World Anti-Doping Agency expectations.

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President Kenyatta signs anti-doping laws

President Kenyatta signs anti-doping laws

Kenya has finally beat the May 2, 2016 deadline given by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to pass a legislation on doping after president Uhuru Kenyatta earlier today signed into law the Anti-Doping Bill.

During the ceremony, which took place at state house Nairobi, President Uhuru said that the country is committed to comply with all regulations on sports and the new anti-doping law is a continuation of Kenya’s efforts to stand against cheating and corruption in the sporting and athletic arena.

“As I’ve repeatedly emphasized, Kenya is 100 percent committed to ensuring total compliance with international regulations on sports and athletics, be they set by WADA, IAAF, the International Olympic Committee or any other International Organisation,” said President Kenyatta.

KENYAN ATHLETES ABLE TO COMPETE FAIRLY

Uhuru also added that Kenyan athletes are able to compete fairly noting that they have earned reputation as sportsmen and women of the highest stature through hard work over the years.

“That reputation has been earned diligently through the exertion and effort, sweat and sacrifices of many hardworking men and women,” he said, adding that those who breach the law will be punished without fear or favour.

Last month, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), had warned that Kenya could be locked out of the RIO Olympics if declared non-complaint by WADA, which had given the country until April 5 to pass the law prohibiting doping before pushing it to May 2.

Kenya, which is home to champions in the sporting arena, had previously missed the Feb. 11 deadline initially set by the anti-doping body.

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