Kenya must prove its commitment to clean athletics if it hopes to maintain credibility as the host of the 2029 World Athletics Championships, according to Witold Banka, president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada). Banka spoke during a three-day visit to Nairobi, where he engaged with President William Ruto, government officials, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak), athletes, and law enforcement representatives.

Banka emphasized the importance of establishing a culture of clean sport, stating, "Kenya calls itself probably 'home of champions', but every home has to have a good host and has to be clean to be credible." The country was awarded the 2029 championships in September, marking a significant milestone as the first African nation to host the event. However, this decision has intensified scrutiny over Kenya's ongoing doping issues, with over 140 Kenyan athletes suspended since 2017.

During discussions, Banka received assurances from Ruto's government regarding a zero-tolerance policy towards doping, yet he cautioned that these promises must translate into real results. He stated, "Action speaks louder than words," highlighting the need for a robust and independent Adak supported by the government.

The upcoming championships present a critical opportunity for Kenya to safeguard its sporting legacy, especially given the country's rich history in distance running. Banka noted that the main challenge lies not in the rules but in implementation.

Additionally, Kenya faces hurdles in testing infrastructure, as Africa currently lacks a Wada-accredited doping control laboratory. Banka mentioned that while there is political interest in establishing a facility, accreditation could take years, necessitating immediate focus on enhancing the existing testing system.