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ADAK were allocated 650 million shillings in 2022 to cater for the fight against doping in 2022, yet claim that they have only been granted 20 million shillings for the 2024/2025 financial year
The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has addressed concerns regarding its financial situation, particularly the USD 5 million (Ksh 650 million) allocated back in 2022 to combat doping in athletics.
Despite the large sum set aside, ADAK has clarified that they only received Ksh 20 million for the current financial year, which has severely hampered their daily operations.
ADAK's outgoing chairman, Daniel Makdwallo, recently highlighted the impact of budget cuts on the agency's ability to function. The agency’s budget for the 2024/25 financial year was slashed by Ksh 208 million, leaving them with a meager Ksh 20 million for all operations, a stark difference from the Ksh 288 million allocated the previous year.
Makdwallo noted that the financial shortfall has made it "difficult to conduct normal operations," adding that essential functions such as paying staff salaries and conducting doping tests across the country have been severely impacted.
The USD 5 million fund was part of the government’s efforts to comply with World Athletics' requirements and avoid a potential ban following a rise in doping cases among Kenyan athletes.
However, ADAK’s CEO, Sarah Shibutse, clarified that, while the funds have been made available, they cannot be used to cover the organisation’s broader operational expenses.
“With regards to the enhanced programme specifically on athletics, yes they have managed. We finished the first financial year and we have already requested for the second financial year’s allocation, which we are hopeful they are going to give.
“ This enhanced program is specific to athletics. What the World Anti-Doping Agency looks at is the holistic program for anti-doping. They were not engaged in the enhanced programme for athletics, and they want to see the institution giving out anti-doping programmes for all the other sports.”
ADAK is responsible for testing athletes in sports beyond athletics, including rugby, netball, volleyball, swimming, and soccer. According to Shibutse, the agency is required to provide anti-doping programs for these sports as well, further stretching their limited resources.
She highlighted the challenges associated with the high costs of testing athletes, noting that it costs between USD 600 and 700 per athlete due to the need to send samples abroad for testing.
"Shipping costs are quite exorbitant because we also have to pay customs fees in the destination countries."
Shibutse also emphasized that the USD 5 million allocation was specifically to prevent Athletics Kenya from facing sanctions by World Athletics. She reiterated that the fund could not be used for any other sports or operational costs.
"Unfortunately, it’s because World Athletics was going to sanction Athletics Kenya specifically. And that is why Lord Sebastian Coe came to talk to His Excellency the President, and it was on the basis of that, just so Kenya could escape that ban, that the President promised USD 5 million to the athletics-enhanced program. It’s specific to athletics and World Athletics is monitoring this program, so you cannot mix the two.”
The strict guidelines set by World Athletics ensure that the money is solely focused on anti-doping efforts.
“World Athletics would not be happy if we were to touch that money for anything else because it’s a project that their president, Lord Sebastian Coe, came and specifically talked to His Excellency the President, who then committed this funding specific to athletics.”
For now, ADAK faces the daunting challenge of managing their anti-doping responsibilities across multiple sports with minimal funds, while the athletics-specific program continues under close watch from World Athletics.
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