Paul Tergat, the president of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), has called for urgent and decisive measures to combat the growing doping menace within Kenya’s athletics community. His comments come in response to a troubling surge in the use of performance-enhancing drugs in recent years, which has put the country’s reputation as a global athletics powerhouse at risk.
Tergat made these remarks during the unveiling of the World Athletics Heritage Plaque in Iten, a town renowned for producing some of the world’s finest athletes. Iten has long been a symbol of Kenya’s dominance in the athletics world, especially in long-distance running. However, the increasing number of doping cases among Kenyan athletes has raised significant concerns about the integrity of the sport.
At the event, Tergat stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of athletics, warning that the country’s esteemed legacy in the sport is under threat. He expressed alarm at the rise of individuals posing as coaches and infiltrating the sport with harmful practices. “The doping menace and the infiltration of quacks posing as coaches are serious threats to the integrity of our sport. We must take decisive steps to remove these harmful influences,” Tergat said.
Kenya has historically been a dominant force in athletics, particularly in distance running, producing legendary athletes who have consistently outperformed their rivals on the world stage. This reputation is built on years of hard work, talent, and dedication. However, the recent surge in doping cases has cast a shadow over the country’s accomplishments. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has flagged numerous Kenyan athletes in recent years, raising serious concerns about the legitimacy of the country’s achievements and tarnishing its standing in the global athletics community.
One of the most controversial moments in recent Kenyan athletics was the record-breaking performance by Ruth Chepngetich at the Chicago Marathon in October 2024. Chepngetich set a new women’s marathon record with an incredible time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 56 seconds. While the achievement was widely celebrated, it also drew skepticism due to the ongoing doping crisis. Journalist Robert Johnson raised questions about the legitimacy of her performance, suggesting that it could have been influenced by doping. Although Chepngetich denied the allegations, the incident underscored how doping suspicions have become a topic of concern surrounding even the most impressive athletic feats.
In addition to this, a number of high-profile Kenyan athletes have been banned for doping violations in recent years. In 2024 alone, several elite runners, including Michael Saruni, Lawrence Cherono, Josephine Chepkoech, Rhonex Kipruto, and Faith Chepkoech, were handed suspensions. These suspensions have further damaged Kenya’s reputation on the global stage and raised doubts about the country’s ability to maintain a clean and credible athletics program.
Tergat’s call for a crackdown on doping comes at a critical time for Kenyan athletics. The country’s success in the sport has long been a source of national pride, and many believe that swift action is needed to restore the integrity of the sport. By taking a strong stance against doping, Tergat hopes to safeguard Kenya’s legacy and ensure that future generations of athletes can compete with honor and integrity.
The push for reform is not just about restoring the country’s reputation but also about securing a future for the sport in Kenya. As Tergat pointed out, the broader athletics community must unite in the fight against doping. The sport’s credibility is on the line, and it is crucial that all stakeholders, from coaches to athletes, work together to eliminate these harmful influences and ensure that Kenya’s legacy in athletics remains untarnished.
