Cabinet Secretary for Health Nakhumicha S Wafula has inaugurated the KEMRI Eldoret Sports Science Research Centre.
She said that the Centre will enhance sports health and combating doping challenges.
“I firmly believe that this Centre is poised to play a pivotal role, engaging in a spectrum of research studies including Sports Medicine and research related to the well-being of athletes, injuries, mental health, nutrition, and anti-doping challenges” she said.
The proposed Sports Science Research Centre that would also house the country’s anti-doping laboratory in Eldoret is designed to prioritize sports health research including comprehensive analysis of biological passports, factors associated with anti-doping testing, nutrition and sports injuries.
Kenya is a category A under the Anti-Doping Rules of World Athletics meaning that athletes must undergo at least three no-notice tests.
Dubbed the first-ever accredited anti-doping facility in the Eastern African region, the Ministry reiterated its commitment of using the facility in combating doping in partnership with other relevant stakeholders such as Athletics Kenya (AK), Kenya Antidoping Agency (ADAK), the Ministry of Sports among others.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the Athletics Kenya (AK), Kenya Antidoping Agency (ADAK), the Ministry of Sports, other agencies and all the stakeholders who have collaboratively birthed this initiative. This landmark facility shall stand as the inaugural accredited anti-doping hub not only within our nation but across the Eastern African region. The collective determination that led us here today will undoubtedly propel us forward on this critical journey. And so, aluta continua!” affirmed Nakhumicha
“Furthermore, it is our aspiration that this Center will evolve into a fully-fledged anti-doping laboratory, situated right here in Eldoret, resolving the doping challenges that which is threatening to stain our sports and taint the careers of athletics and other sports players in the country. This will ensure that our country retains its globally respectable stature in producing not only legendary, but also clean athletes” added the CS in a statement.
