Athletics: Kenya warned to get serious over doping

Olympic great Kipchoge Keino says his country could be banned. Photo / AP

The World Anti-Doping Agency are stepping up efforts to get Kenya banned from international competition for four years, including next year's Rio Olympics, unless the nation seriously tackles doping by their athletes.

Dozens of Kenyan runners have been caught doping in the past few years, tarnishing the reputation of the east African country famed for their middle and long-distance runners.

WADA and other officials have voiced frustration over the years that Athletics Kenya have not cracked down on doping, despite frequent promises they would do so.

Kipchoge Keino, a Kenyan running great and chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), said WADA were "seriously considering" recommending Kenya be banned from all competitions for four years, including the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"It is no longer just a threat," Keino told reporters in Nairobi after returning from the US where he met WADA officials. "They think Kenya is sweeping doping issues under the carpet.

"The ADAK [Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya], Athletics Kenya and Government must meet immediately to confront this issue or else we are in big trouble. Things are that bad."

Keino said WADA questioned why Kenya had not taken action against Joyce Zakari and Koki Manunga, two Kenyan runners who failed doping tests at August's world championships in Beijing.

In September, two more Kenyan athletes were suspended for doping.

It is estimated that more than 35 Kenyan runners have failed drugs tests in the past three years, including Rita Jeptoo, winner of the Boston and Chicago Marathons.

Kenya's champion runners say the failed doping cases have damaged the country's reputation and opponents often viewed Kenyan athletes with suspicion if they won lucrative road and track races.

Kenya's reputation was dealt another blow this year when Britain's Sunday Times newspaper and German broadcaster ARD/WDR said they had been leaked suspicious blood results from more than 800 athletes, including 77 Kenyans.

The Sunday Times alleged that athletes who won a fifth of Kenya's 92 Olympic and world championship medals between 2001 and 2012 had suspicious blood results. ARD accused Athletics Kenya officials of covering up failed drugs cases.

Athletics Kenya have denied accusations of corruption and have vowed to investigate all failed tests and this year suspended two foreign coaches.