By KPC Sports Reporter
The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has concluded a three-day capacity-building workshop for members of the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) aimed at strengthening anti-doping adjudication and aligning Kenya’s legal framework with global standards.
The workshop, held in Machakos County, brought together tribunal members, legal experts and anti-doping officials to enhance institutional coordination, adjudicative consistency and compliance with the World Anti-Doping framework.
The SDT, established under the Sports Act, is mandated to independently hear and determine sports-related disputes, including anti-doping appeals and governance matters.
Among those who attended the workshop were Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Arbitrator John Ohaga SC, Chair of the Continental Results Management Panel Njeri Onyango SC, SDT Acting Chairperson Allan Mola, SDT Secretary and CEO Dr Leah W. Kaburu, tribunal members and ADAK Chief Executive Officer Peninah Wahome.
Participants underwent training on key anti-doping operational areas including whereabouts management, results management, sample collection procedures, education and research, as well as intelligence and investigations.
Speaking during the workshop, Ohaga praised ADAK for organising the training, saying it would help tribunal members make informed and consistent decisions.
“I commend ADAK for organizing this session that better equips the new tribunal members for decision-making. It is crucial that athletes and the general public understand that non-analytical cases are as important as analytical cases,” he said.
He added that Kenya has established one of the strongest results management systems in Africa and called for more sports law training for advocates to ensure rulings remain aligned with international standards.
“ADRVs are not criminal jurisprudence; they are governed by global standards that require harmonization in interpretation and rulings,” he added.
Njeri Onyango welcomed the progress Kenya has made in anti-doping governance since the enactment of the 2016 Anti-Doping Act.
“I am elated to see how much progress has been made in anti-doping matters. The presentation on the current amendments to the Anti-Doping Act, Anti-Doping Rules, and the National Anti-Doping Policy only demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to promoting integrity in sport,” she said.
She also noted that athletes are now more informed about anti-doping regulations than in previous years.
“It is commendable to see the level of information shared with athletes today. Today’s athletes are more empowered and better equipped to Stay Clean and Win Right,” she said.
ADAK CEO Peninah Wahome underscored the importance of continued collaboration between ADAK and the SDT, especially following recent tribunal appointments and the upcoming implementation of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code.
She said continuous engagement would ensure Kenya remains aligned with evolving international anti-doping standards.
Participants at the workshop emphasized the critical role of the tribunal in safeguarding fairness, transparency and integrity in sport through harmonized interpretation and application of anti-doping regulations.
The workshop also served as a platform for technical knowledge exchange on the implementation of anti-doping laws and policies within Kenya’s sporting ecosystem.