The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) is in a severe financial crisis following significant budget cuts by the National Treasury, the Sports and Culture Committee of Parliament has been told.
ADAK CEO, Ms. Sarah Shibutse, painted a grim picture of the agency’s operations during a session held at Bunge Tower on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
“ADAK’s operations have been crippled due to underfunding by the National Treasury. We have not paid rent since July, and our internet has been disconnected,” Ms. Shibutse told the committee chaired by Marsabit County MP, Hon. Naomi Waqo. The CEO revealed that the agency is also struggling to pay staff salaries, which has worsened the situation.
According to Shibutse, ADAK’s budget has been slashed to just KShs 20 million, a drastic cut that has left the agency unable to carry out its mandate effectively.
She warned that this financial strain could lead to serious repercussions, including Kenya being declared non-compliant by the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA).
“The ramifications of non-compliance would be devastating,” Shibutse stated. “No Kenyan athlete would be eligible to participate in any international competition, and Kenya would be barred from hosting events like CHAN and AFCON.”
ADAK, tasked with conducting doping tests for Kenyan athletes, is also struggling to prepare rugby, volleyball, and football players set to compete internationally.
Ms. Shibutse revealed that the agency requires over KShs 50,000 to test just one player, but without sufficient funds, this vital process has been severely hindered.
“Without adequate funding, Kenya risks undoing all the progress we’ve made in the fight against doping,” she added, pleading for the Committee’s intervention in urging the Treasury to reinstate the agency’s budget.
Members of Parliament expressed concern over ADAK’s financial woes and vowed to address the matter. Hon. Naomi Waqo assured the agency that the Committee would seek mechanisms to secure funds from the Sports Fund to provide ADAK with a lifeline.
“The Committee has noted the serious concerns raised by ADAK, and we will explore ways to support the agency financially,” said Hon. Waqo.
Hon. Charles Nguna (Mwingi West) criticized the Treasury’s decision to cut ADAK’s funding, emphasizing that the agency plays a crucial role in combating doping in Kenya. “It is unjustified to deny ADAK funds when their role is essential to safeguarding the integrity of Kenyan sports,” he said.
Hon. Robert Basil (Yatta) also weighed in, noting that ADAK must be both institutionally and operationally independent. “Denying the agency funds compromises their independence and effectiveness in the fight against doping,” he stated.
The Committee’s commitment to resolving ADAK’s financial crisis comes as a critical step in ensuring that Kenyan athletes and the country as a whole are protected from the potential sanctions that could arise if the agency’s operations continue to falter.
