The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) recently completed a three-day capacity-building workshop for Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) members. The event aimed to enhance anti-doping adjudication capabilities and ensure Kenya’s legal framework aligns with global anti-doping standards.
Held in Machakos County, the workshop brought together tribunal members, legal experts, and anti-doping officials to improve institutional coordination, maintain adjudicative consistency, and comply with the World Anti-Doping framework. The SDT operates under the Sports Act, with the mandate to independently resolve sports-related disputes, including anti-doping appeals and governance matters.
Notable attendees included Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Arbitrator John Ohaga SC, Chair of the Continental Results Management Panel Njeri Onyango SC, SDT Acting Chairperson Allan Mola, SDT Secretary and CEO Dr Leah W. Kaburu, tribunal members, and ADAK Chief Executive Officer Peninah Wahome.
Participants received training in critical anti-doping operational areas including whereabouts management, results management, sample collection procedures, education and research, as well as intelligence and investigations.
During the workshop, Ohaga commended ADAK for organizing the training, stating it would help tribunal members make informed and consistent decisions. “I commend ADAK for organizing this session that better equips the new tribunal members for decision-making. It is crucial that athletes and the general public understand that non-analytical cases are as important as analytical cases,” he remarked.
Ohaga further emphasized that Kenya has developed one of Africa’s strongest results management systems and advocated for additional sports law training for legal practitioners to ensure rulings remain consistent with international standards. “ADRVs are not criminal jurisprudence; they are governed by global standards that require harmonization in interpretation and rulings,” he added.
Njeri Onyango expressed satisfaction with Kenya’s progress in anti-doping governance since the 2016 Anti-Doping Act implementation. “I am elated to see how much progress has been made in anti-doping matters. The presentation on the current amendments to the Anti-Doping Act, Anti-Doping Rules, and the National Anti-Doping Policy only demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to promoting integrity in sport,” she noted.
She also highlighted that athletes now possess greater knowledge of anti-doping regulations compared to previous years. “It is commendable to see the level of information shared with athletes today. Today’s athletes are more empowered and better equipped to Stay Clean and Win Right,” she said.
ADAK CEO Peninah Wahome emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between ADAK and the SDT, particularly following recent tribunal appointments and the impending implementation of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code. She noted that continuous engagement would help Kenya maintain alignment with evolving international anti-doping standards.
Workshop participants underscored the tribunal’s vital role in upholding fairness, transparency, and integrity in sports through consistent interpretation and application of anti-doping regulations. The event also facilitated technical knowledge exchange regarding the implementation of anti-doping laws and policies within Kenya’s sporting ecosystem.