Sebastian Coe, the World Athletics President, arrived in Kenya on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, for a special tour.
Coe landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at around 2 pm and was received by Athletics stakeholders, including the federation’s president Jackson Tuwei.
According to Athletics Kenya (AK), Coe has played a crucial role in helping Kenya curb the doping vice.
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“World Athletics president Seb Coe arrived in Nairobi for this brief tour. President Coe has been vocal in supporting the country’s fight against doping.
“He expressed his satisfaction in December at the government’s commitment to fighting the scourge, including a five-year, $5 million-on-a-year increased funding for anti-doping activities,” a statement from the AK read.
Coe’s visit comes when the country is battling a wave of doping malpractices.
More than 50 runners were banned in 2022 after being found guilty of using performance-enhancement drugs.
2021 Boston marathon champion Diana Kipyokei was one of the big names slapped with a ban from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
Kipyokei was sanctioned for a period of six years and also lost the prize money (approximately 18.5 million) that she had been awarded.
Tuwei revealed that Coe’s visit would last for a period of three days, and he is expected to meet various stakeholders.
He added that the former Olympic champion would address the media before he embarks on his next destination.
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