President of Kenya William Ruto has committed to end the country’s athletes reputation on doping. 

Ruto on Thursday met with the President of World Athletics Sebastian Coe at State House in Nairobi.

He expressed Kenya’s commitment to protecting the country’s reputation and heritage as a leading athletic nation.

RUTO COMMITS TO END DOPING 

Ruto emphasized the importance of collaborating with athletes, their agents, and partners to fight doping and uphold the honor of Kenyan champions.

“We are ready to work together with athletes, their contacts, and partners to confront the doping menace and protect the integrity of our champions,” said Ruto. 

The Kenyan President also expressed gratitude to World Athletics for considering Kenya’s situation.

Sebastian Coe arrived in Kenya on Tuesday for a week-long private visit and holiday. He will also hold discussions with Athletics Kenya officials, coaches, and athletes.

On Wednesday, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba stated that Kenya is willing to adhere to World Athletics guidelines in order to maintain the country’s tradition of competing and winning cleanly.

“I am a strong believer in Abraham Lincoln’s philosophy that it is more honorable to lose than to cheat. Our athletes must also live by this,” declared Namwamba. 

He emphasized the importance of instilling a culture of integrity among athletes. Namwamba also announced plans to collaborate with the Athletes Integrity Unit and Athletics Kenya to address athletics sports management and Kenya’s efforts to combat doping.

SEBASTIAN COE VISIT KENYA 

Coe’s visit comes five weeks after chairing a World Athletics Council meeting in Italy. During the meeting Kenya was granted a reprieve despite high rates of doping cases in the country.

Coe praised Kenya’s efforts to fight doping. He noted the government’s decision to increase funding for these efforts to approximately KES 619 million annually for a period of five years.