ELDORET, Kenya – Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed concerns over doping as Kenya prepares to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, saying the Government remains committed to tackling the vice.
Murkomen said claims questioning Kenya’s readiness to host the global athletics event lacked merit, arguing that the country’s willingness to expose and act on doping cases demonstrated its commitment to clean sport.
“The issue has been brought out because we are a very serious country when it comes to doping. We do not hide anything,” Murkomen said.
He added that the Government had continued to crack down on pharmacists and other individuals allegedly involved in activities linked to doping.
Murkomen defends Kenya’s anti-doping record
The CS said Kenya’s approach was to confront doping-related challenges rather than conceal them.
His remarks came amid criticism from a section of commentators over Kenya’s suitability to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
Murkomen maintained that the Government had taken measures to address doping and would continue enforcing rules against those facilitating the use of banned substances.
Mashujaa Day tournament launched
Murkomen spoke in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, during the launch of the Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament, which will bring together teams from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi counties.
The tournament will feature football, volleyball, athletics and basketball for both men and women.
Competition will begin at the ward level on September 26, before the Inter-County Finals on October 19 for volleyball and October 20 for football.
The Iten Marathon is scheduled for October 18.
Sh63 million prize money announced
A total of Sh63 million has been allocated as prize money across the various competitions.
Murkomen said up to Sh60 million would go directly to participants, with the Government seeking to ensure that the benefits reach competitors at the grassroots level.
“A total of up to Sh60 million will go directly into the pockets of participants. We are determined to ensure that this happens all the way to the grassroots level,” he said.
Professional players barred
Murkomen warned that professional players would not be allowed to participate in the tournament.
“We will not allow professional players to participate,” he said.
Organisers have established an ICT system to verify participants and help prevent cheating during the competition.
The CS said measures had also been put in place to ensure that only eligible players compete and that tournament resources are properly accounted for.
Officials withdrawn from regular duties
Murkomen said officials running the tournament had been temporarily withdrawn from their regular public service duties to allow them to focus on organising the competitions.
He added that the officials would not draw allowances from the tournament’s prize money, describing the arrangement as part of efforts to prevent wastage of public resources.
The tournament will be staged across the three counties as part of activities marking Mashujaa Day, with national and county leaders attending the launch in Eldoret.
