No Kenyan athlete will make the cut for the Tokyo 2025 World Championships without undergoing at least one out of three mandatory no-notice tests by May 24.
Athletes eyeing a spot in Team Kenya must comply with stringent anti-doping protocols and must undergo three unannounced out-of-competition tests within a 10-month window from October 29, 2024, to August 29, 2025.
Athletics Kenya (AK) President Jack Tuwei revealed that AK has identified 444 probable athletes, all of whom must meet strict anti-doping stipulations to earn selection.
“There are some key deadlines, which athletes ought to have met before the World Championships in Tokyo. As such, they must comply with mandatory testing to ensure eligibility for selection in Team Kenya,” said Tuwei, who was accompanied by the Athletics Integrity Unit’s out-of-competition manager, Raphael Roux.
Quoting Article 15.5.1-3 of the World Athletics anti-doping regulations, Tuwei emphasised that compliance with antidoping protocols is non-negotiable.
“To be eligible for selection, athletes must complete at least three unannounced out-of-competition tests within the stipulated period. The first of these tests must be done by May 24, with the final deadline for all three set for August 29 at 7 pm,” he added.
Failure to meet the May 24 requirement will result in automatic disqualification, regardless of subsequent tests.
“Athletes who do not complete at least one unannounced test by May 24 will not be considered for selection, irrespective of how many tests they take afterward,” Tuwei warned.
The AK boss further urged athletes to be vigilant about medications and supplements to avoid inadvertent violations.
“Missing a test, failing to comply with testing protocols, or not following sample collection procedures will impact eligibility.”
“Athletes are responsible for any substance found in their system. They must always check medications and supplements to avoid unintentional violation,” he added.
To streamline compliance, athletes must keep their AIU ADAMS accounts updated with their whereabouts.
Those without accounts will be required to submit their details via designated Google Forms links. Tuwei noted that the stringent anti-doping requirements are different from the qualifications over time.
“These requirements are separate from qualification times and national trials, which will also determine eligibility for selection.”
Meanwhile, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) is keeping tabs on 20 probable athletes training abroad to ensure they meet testing deadlines.
“We have mapped out these athletes and established communication channels to ensure they remain within the compliance framework.”
“We are conducting online antidoping education sessions and coordinating testing logistics for those athletes selected by AK,” said Martin Yahuma, Adak’s head of Anti-Doping Education and Research.
