Kenya is under investigation by the World Anti-Doping Agency amid growing reports of drugs among athletes.
The World Anti-Doping Agency said an independent group is looking into reports that Kenya is not doing enough to combat doping.
The agency said it has asked the nation’s officials to institute some measures, including funding a national anti-doping agency.
“We are awaiting concrete plans from the Kenyan government for the funding of the national anti-doping agency, and, crucially, the finalization of Kenya’s legislation and anti-doping rules,” the World Anti-Doping Agency said.
“We have not yet received the details nor the assurances we need from Kenya; this is now a matter for our independent compliance process.”
A noncompliance report would be a major blow to the nation’s athletes, who are known worldwide for their excellence in marathons and endurance running.
This week, two Kenyan athletes who were suspended for doping alleged that a top official at Athletics Kenya asked them to pay $50,000 in bribes to help reduce their bans.
The chief executive officer of Athletics Kenya has dismissed the bribery accusations, saying they are fabricated.
At least 40 Kenyan runners have been suspended for doping in the past two years, according to The Daily Nation.
Kenyan officials said they are working to meet the requirements by the World Anti-Doping Agency
“I am sure all the different organs of government are making efforts to ensure that we go through this,” said Jackson Tuwei, the interim president of Athletics Kenya. “What we can do right now is to work hard within the time given and ensure we get out of that watch list.”
WADA said it’s awaiting word from Kenya on how much progress the nation has made in meeting its requirements.
