Clean Sport: What Every Kenyan Athlete Should Know

A cold remedy, an injection for an injury or a new supplement can create an anti-doping risk before an athlete reaches the start line. Clean sport therefore depends on ordinary decisions made at home, in a clinic, at a chemist and during training.

This guide is for Kenyan athletes at every level. It explains the basic checks that reduce risk, what to expect during doping control, and when to contact the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) or the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).

It is general information, not personal medical or legal advice. An athlete who needs treatment should consult a qualified medical professional and the anti-doping organisation responsible for them.

Your Body, Your Responsibility

Anti-doping rules apply a principle known as strict liability. In practical terms, an athlete is responsible when a prohibited substance, its metabolites or markers are found in their sample, whether the use was intentional or unintentional.

That makes good intentions an unsafe defence strategy. Advice from a coach, friend, shopkeeper or unqualified practitioner does not remove the athlete’s responsibility.

The safest habit is to pause before using any medicine, injection, supplement or unfamiliar treatment. Record what it is, why it is needed, who recommended it and how its anti-doping status was checked.

Check Every Medicine Before Use

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes the Prohibited List. The List identifies substances and methods prohibited at all times, only in competition, or in particular sports. It is updated every year. The 2026 List took effect on 1 January 2026, but athletes should always consult the current version rather than rely on an old screenshot or memory.

Medicine names can be confusing. Two products sold under different brand names may contain the same active ingredient, while products with similar names may contain different ingredients.

Before taking a medicine:

1. Tell the doctor, clinician or pharmacist that you are an athlete bound by anti-doping rules.
2. Write down the exact brand, active ingredients, dose and method of administration.
3. Check the product through an official medicine-checking resource recommended by ADAK or the AIU.
4. If the product or ingredient is not listed, contact the responsible anti-doping organisation before using it.
5. Keep the prescription, packaging and proof of the check.

The route of administration can matter. A substance may be permitted in one form or dose and prohibited in another. Do not assume that a cream, tablet, inhaler or injection has the same status simply because the active ingredient looks familiar.

Medical treatment should not be delayed in an emergency. The athlete or their representative should obtain the necessary medical records and contact the responsible anti-doping organisation as soon as possible afterwards.

When a Therapeutic Use Exemption Is Needed

A Therapeutic Use Exemption, usually called a TUE, authorises specified prohibited treatment for a legitimate medical condition. It is not a general exemption from anti-doping rules. The responsible organisation and any recognition requirements depend on the athlete’s level and competition circumstances.

An athlete should apply to the anti-doping organisation that has TUE authority over them. For Kenyan athletes, this will usually be ADAK at national level and the AIU for athletes recognised by World Athletics as international-level. Major event organisers may also have separate recognition requirements. If there is any doubt, ask ADAK or the AIU before submitting the application.

Apply as soon as the medical need arises and, where possible, before using the prohibited treatment. The application needs appropriate medical evidence. ADAK asks athletes to retain a complete copy of the application, supporting medical information and proof of submission.

A TUE has a defined scope and period of validity. Check its conditions and expiry date. A TUE granted by one organisation may also require recognition by a major event organiser.

Treat Supplements as a Risk, Not a Shortcut

Supplements may be contaminated, incorrectly labelled or contain an undeclared prohibited substance. The word “herbal” does not establish that a product is safe for an athlete.

Start with a qualified assessment of whether the supplement is necessary. Food should normally come first. If a genuine need remains, discuss it with a qualified sports nutrition or medical professional who understands anti-doping rules.

Batch testing can reduce risk, but it does not transfer responsibility away from the athlete. Check the exact product and batch through a recognised certification programme, keep the container and receipt, and record the batch number. A claim such as “athlete safe” on a label or social media post is not enough.

If the product cannot be checked properly, do not use it.

What Happens During Doping Control

Testing may take place in competition or out of competition, including at a training venue or an athlete’s home. ADAK states that its tests are conducted without advance notice and may involve urine, blood or both.

When notified, check the identification and authority of the sample collection personnel. The athlete must show identification, comply with the process, remain in direct sight after notification and report to the doping control station immediately unless a valid delay is approved.

Athletes also have rights. These include asking questions, having a representative, requesting an interpreter where available, being told which organisation authorised the test, requesting reasonable assistance or modifications for an injury or impairment, and recording comments or concerns on the Doping Control Form.

Read the form before signing it. Record any concern at the time, keep the athlete’s copy and store it safely.

Refusing, evading or failing to submit to a valid sample collection request can itself lead to an anti-doping rule violation. Cooperate with the process and use the form to document concerns.

Keep Whereabouts Accurate

Not every athlete has to file whereabouts information. The requirement applies to athletes formally included in a Registered Testing Pool or another notified testing pool.

Athletes in ADAK’s Registered Testing Pool submit whereabouts through WADA’s Anti-Doping Administration and Management System, known as ADAMS. The information allows no-advance-notice testing outside competition.

Whereabouts information must be accurate enough for a doping control officer to locate the athlete. It commonly includes residence, training, competition and travel information, together with a daily 60-minute testing slot where required.

Update the filing promptly when plans change. A coach, manager or representative may help with administration, but the athlete remains responsible for the accuracy of the information and for being available.

Follow the deadlines and instructions in the athlete’s formal testing-pool notice. If access to ADAMS fails or a filing is unclear, contact ADAK or the AIU immediately and retain evidence of the attempt to resolve it.

Build a Simple Clean-Sport Record

Good records can prevent confusion and help an athlete respond accurately to questions. Keep one secure folder, on paper or digitally, containing:

• prescriptions and clinical notes;
• medicine names, active ingredients and doses;
• TUE applications, decisions and expiry dates;
• supplement labels, receipts and batch numbers;
• Doping Control Forms;
• whereabouts confirmations and important updates; and
• contact details for the responsible anti-doping organisation.

Review the folder before travel and major competitions. Rules, products and personal circumstances change.

Know Where to Ask for Help

For national-level guidance in Kenya, contact ADAK through its official website or education service. International-level athletics questions may fall under the AIU.

Use official sources. Do not rely on a search-engine summary, an old team message or a confident answer from someone who has not checked the current rules.

The best time to ask an anti-doping question is before taking the product, missing the filing or signing the form.