Murkomen Defends Kenya’s 2029 World Athletics Bid Amid Doping Claims
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended Kenya’s successful bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, dismissing criticism over the country’s doping record.
Speaking in Eldoret on September 20, Murkomen said the Government had been transparent in its fight against doping and maintained that the allegations raised by critics lacked merit. He said authorities had continued taking action against pharmacists and other individuals involved in activities linked to doping.
Nairobi was selected by World Athletics to host the 2029 championships, making it the first African city to stage the senior World Athletics Championships. The decision has nevertheless renewed international attention on Kenya’s anti-doping record.
Murkomen was speaking during the launch of the 2026 Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament, which will bring together teams and athletes from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi. The competition will feature football, volleyball, athletics and basketball for both men and women.
The tournament will begin at the ward level on September 26, with the Iten Marathon scheduled for October 18, volleyball finals on October 19 and football finals on October 20.
A total of Sh63 million has been allocated as prize money, with Murkomen saying up to Sh60 million will go directly to participants. He said professional players would not be allowed to participate and that an ICT-based system would be used to verify players and curb cheating.
Murkomen also said tournament officials had been removed from their regular public-service duties for the duration of the exercise and would not receive allowances from the prize fund, in an effort to ensure more of the allocated resources reach participants.
