Kenya making progress on doping but work remains before 2029 Worlds

NAIROBI — World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said momentum is building in Kenya's campaign against doping, even as the East African nation prepares for a major international spotlight in five years.

The 2029 World Athletics Championships will be held in Kenya, marking a significant moment for the sport in the region. Coe's remarks suggest the global athletics body is monitoring the country's compliance efforts closely, particularly given Kenya's history of doping violations among its competitors.

While Coe did not elaborate on specific improvements, his statement indicates that Kenyan authorities and World Athletics have identified measurable gains in anti-doping protocols and enforcement. However, he stressed that the work remains incomplete, with substantial progress still required before the country takes centre stage as championship host.

Kenya has long been a powerhouse in middle and long-distance running, but the sport has grappled with doping scandals involving Kenyan athletes. The upcoming championships will test whether the nation's anti-doping infrastructure can meet international standards and safeguard the competition's integrity.