An Indian teenager has been sentenced to three years in prison by a Nairobi court after pleading guilty to doping-related charges, marking a significant step in Kenya’s fight to protect the integrity of its athletics.
Aman Malik, 19, was convicted on Friday by JKIA Magistrate Njeri Thuku after being found in possession of banned substances, including Human Growth Hormone, Meldonium, Mannitol, IV bags, and syringes at a training camp in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
He faced four counts under Kenya’s anti-doping laws but will serve the sentences concurrently, resulting in a three-year jail term.
In her ruling, Magistrate Thuku emphasised the broader impact of doping on Kenya’s international reputation: “The sentence is meant to protect the country’s heritage and pride, as athletics unite Kenya and give it stature in the world.”
She added that Malik will be deported upon completing his sentence.
The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), working in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), arrested Malik in May after a tip-off from local authorities in Iten, often dubbed the global capital of distance running.
Prosecutors told the court that the cache of substances indicated a wider doping syndicate targeting young athletes in high-altitude training hubs.
The magistrate also ordered the destruction of the seized drugs and equipment if no appeal is filed within 14 days, a move ADAK welcomed as a deterrent.
“This judgment demonstrates Kenya’s unwavering commitment to clean sport,” an ADAK spokesperson said. “It is a message that those seeking to tarnish our athletics heritage will face the full force of the law.”
Kenya has faced mounting pressure from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and World Athletics following a surge in doping cases that threatened the country with potential global bans.
In recent years, more than 60 Kenyan athletes have faced suspensions for doping violations, including high-profile marathoners.
The Kenyan government responded by enacting stringent anti-doping laws in 2016, making the possession, trafficking, and administration of banned substances a criminal offence.
The conviction of Malik, a foreign national, highlights the country’s willingness to enforce those laws beyond local athletes, reflecting concerns about international networks exploiting Kenya’s reputation as an athletics powerhouse.
Sports analysts argue that the ruling will serve as a warning not only to athletes but also to managers, coaches, and foreign agents attempting to use Kenya as a base for illicit activities.
“The message is clear—Kenya will not tolerate doping, whether by its own athletes or outsiders,” said a Nairobi-based sports lawyer.
As Kenya continues to prepare athletes for global competitions, authorities say the fight against doping remains central to preserving trust in the sport.
For many, the Malik ruling represents a turning point in efforts to secure athletics from drug cheats and restore global confidence in Kenya’s commitment to clean competition.