World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Banka has arrived in Kenya for a two-day visit focused on strengthening the country’s anti-doping structures and reinforcing the fight for clean sport.
Banka touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Sunday morning for a packed programme that will see him hold high-level consultative meetings with key government and sports stakeholders before addressing the media on Tuesday afternoon.
Speaking shortly after his arrival, Banka expressed his delight at making his first visit to Kenya as WADA President, describing the country as the “Home of Champions” while thanking his hosts for the warm reception.
“I would like to thank you all for the exceptionally warm welcome in beautiful Nairobi. It’s my first time as WADA President in Kenya, the home of champions and a beautiful country,” Banka said.
Why World Anti-Doping Agency president is visiting Kenya
The WADA chief said his visit would primarily centre on discussions surrounding anti-doping and ways of further strengthening the structures and policies in place to protect the integrity of sport in Kenya.
“We are going to have a fruitful two days where we will discuss matters of anti-doping and how to strengthen anti-doping policy in Kenya,” he stated.
Banka also stressed the need for strong cooperation between the government, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and the wider sporting fraternity to ensure athletes have the right environment to compete cleanly and fairly.
“We want to make sure athletes are competing on a level playing field with strong support from the government and ADAK,” he said.
Who will WADA President meet while in Kenya?
During his stay, Banka is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with President William Ruto and Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya, as well as engage officials from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK).
However, the WADA President singled out athletes as a particularly important part of his Kenyan itinerary.
“I will have consultative meetings with the President, CS for Sports and friends from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya and, most importantly, discussions with athletes,” he noted.
The engagements come as Kenya continues to strengthen its anti-doping framework and safeguard its reputation as one of the world’s leading athletics nations.
For Banka, the visit provides an opportunity to assess progress on the ground, engage directly with the country’s decision-makers and athletes and explore ways of further bolstering Kenya’s clean-sport structures.
The two-day programme will culminate in Banka’s much-anticipated address on Tuesday, when he is expected to give his assessment following his meetings and engagements in the country.
“After the final day on Tuesday, I speak,” he said.
