A new anti-doping law has been passed in Kenya as they try to boost their hopes of being allowed to compete in this year’s Rio Olympics.
The new law will create a national anti-doping agency, which enables lawmakers to place fines and a one year prison sentence on those caught doping.
This comes after huge demands from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for Kenya to apply a new anti-doping legislation in order to tackle the issue of drugs use in their country.
Since 2011, over 40 Kenyan athletes have tested positive for drugs use, with Kenyan Atheltics’ general manager Isaac Mwangi accused of corruption for attempting to cover up positive doping tests, and receiving a six month suspension in February this year.
These events, therefore, lead International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) President Seb Coe to state in February that he was prepared to pull Kenya out of this year’s Rio Olympics.
However, Kenya’s Sports Minister, Hassan Wario, is now confident that Kenya will be present at this year’s Olympics.
“Today is a great day,” he stated on Tuesday “The anti-doping bill has been passed. Olympics here we come.”
The bill is expected to be passed by May 2, with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta needed to sign it off.
WADA will also meet with Kenya on May 12, where they will discuss the case and most likely decide Kenya’s place in this year’s Olmypic Games.
