KAKAMEGA COLLECTS STAKEHOLDERS’ VIEWS ON PROPOSED ANTI-DOPING ACT AMENDMENTS
Kakamega County, in partnership with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), today held a public participation forum at Bukhungu Stadium to collect stakeholders’ views on the proposed amendments to the Anti-Doping Act. The forum brought together athletes, coaches, sports administrators and other stakeholders ahead of the county’s submission of recommendations.
ADAK representative Elvis Gitau outlined the proposed amendments, including updated definitions, expanding the Act to cover all sports organizations, fitness centres and gyms, recognizing ADAK as the sole anti-doping authority, allowing testing at any time and place without prior notice, strengthening anti-doping provisions, and enhancing the powers of compliance officers during investigations.
Speaking during the forum, CECM for Sports CPA Jackline Masicha said the exercise gives stakeholders an opportunity to shape policies that promote clean and fair sport. She called for regular engagement between ADAK and the county through continuous sensitization and awareness campaigns to help athletes understand anti-doping regulations and avoid violations caused by lack of information.
”As a county, we are committed to nurturing talent in an environment built on integrity, fairness and respect for the rules of sport. Together, we can protect our athletes and promote clean sport at every level,” she said.
The public participation exercise is being conducted across the country, after which the proposed amendments will be submitted to Parliament for consideration.
Also present were Chief Officer for Sports Lawrence Omukoyani, Director of Sports Antony Simiyu, Principal Sports Officer Allan Wanga, ADAK representative Maryanne Mwaura, and other county officials.