Banka arrived in Kenya for a two-day visit focused on strengthening the country’s anti-doping structures and reinforcing the fight for clean sport.
He touched down at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Sunday for a packed programme that saw him hold high-level consultative meetings with key government officials (including President William Ruto) and sports stakeholders.
The WADA chief said his visit would primarily centre on discussions surrounding anti-doping and ways of further strengthening the structures and policies in place to protect the integrity of sport in Kenya.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday after the conclusion of his meetings, Banka stressed the importance of keeping Kenyan athletes clean ahead of competitions.
Kenya has to be clean
“Kenya calls itself the home of champions, and I like this slogan, but as you know, every credible home has to have a good host and has to be clean,” said Banka, as quoted by Pulse Sports.
“So, it’s extremely important to instil a culture of clean sport and a zero-tolerance policy for doping. And I think we found a common understanding, and we are on the same track.”
Banka added: “Kenya is a great sporting nation, full of great athletes, and you become more and more important in the area of sport when it comes to organising major sporting events. It’s a big honour for you, but it’s a big responsibility as well, and big pressure.
“We gathered in one room all important people responsible for the fight against criminals. The prosecutors, police, customs, immigration, intelligence, all those people responsible in Kenya for these sensitive matters were gathered in one room to create a coalition for a clean sport."
Kenya the role model for Africa
Banka also stressed the need for strong cooperation between the government, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and the wider sporting fraternity to ensure athletes have the right environment to compete cleanly and fairly.
“WADA itself or ADAK itself cannot achieve its mission if we do not collaborate with those who have the power to go against those who are producing illegal steroids, who are trafficking and smuggling these steroids,” added Banka.
“That's why we need strong support from law enforcement. And I truly believe that this work will start not tomorrow but today.
“We want to make sure athletes are competing on a level playing field with strong support from the government and ADAK.”
Banka concluded: “I truly believe that I’m leaving Kenya with this strong prediction and energy that the fight against doping here in Kenya will be stronger, and very soon the country will be a role model for Africa on how to effectively fight against doping and fight against those criminals who are producing and smuggling steroids.
“After all of it, do you think that this is the right word to describe these people? I think that this is a perfect word to describe those who are killing the lives of athletes, their careers, their dreams, and the image of the country.”
Speaking after meeting with Banka, Kenya’s President Ruto assured the country was working with WADA to ensure Kenyan athletes remain clean.
“Kenya is closely working with the World Anti-Doping Agency to ensure that our sports remain clean,” said the Head of State.
“Since Kenya domesticated the anti-doping law in 2016, we have continued to strengthen it as new realities emerge.
“Currently, we are aligning the current law with WADA’s World Anti-Doping Code and Rules to be operationalised in January 2027.
“Additionally, the Anti-Narcotics Unit at the Directorate of Criminal Investigation will become an integral part of the broader fight against doping.
“In our efforts to revitalise sports in our country, we are investing heavily in infrastructure to grow talent and ensure our young people benefit from their talents and skills.”
National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) issued a statement to explain why Banka’s visit was important for the East African nation.
“The engagement with athletes, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), Government and NOCK reaffirmed a shared commitment to clean sport and the protection of athletes and the integrity of competition,” read part of the statement.
“NOCK recognises the challenges doping presents to Kenyan sport and remains committed to strengthening compliance with the WADA Code, athlete education, transparency and accountability.
“Together with WADA and partners, we will continue working to protect Kenya’s sporting reputation and ensure that our athletes compete on a level playing field.
“Fair Play. Clean Sport. One Team Kenya.”
The engagements come as Kenya continues to strengthen its anti-doping framework and safeguard its reputation as one of the world’s leading athletics nations.
For Banka, the visit provided an opportunity to assess progress on the ground, engage directly with the country’s decision-makers and athletes and explore ways of further bolstering Kenya’s clean-sport structures.
