Numerous Kenyan athletes have been slapped with bans or suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) because of engaging in doping malpractices.
Currently more than 20 Kenyan athletes are either serving more than a year ban or waiting for the world anti-doping body to make rulings on their respective cases.
The latest Kenyan to be suspended is the 2021 Boston Marathon champion Diana Kipyokei who was suspended after testing positive for a corticosteroid.
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Should the 28-year-old be banned, he will have to surrender her Boston Marathon title.
The widespread problem has made Athletics Kenya (AK) to think outside the box and come up with a long-term strategy to make runners run clean.
On Monday, October 17, 2022, AK unveiled a program whereby more than 400 upcoming runners will be educated on the benefits of not using performance-enhancing substances.
"AK, AIU has stepped up sensitisation of athletes on anti-doping via seminars and educational forums for Under-20 athletes in Kenya.
“The programme targets over 400 young athletes across the country with the first forum starting today in Kitale," read a statement from AK.
The national athletics federation further stated that apart from doping, young runners will benefit from lessons such as switching allegiances.
"The programme will cover age manipulation, competition manipulation, illegal betting, transfer of allegiance, bribery and corruption and harassment and abuse," part of the statement read.
Aside from Kitale, other awareness programs will be held in the counties of Kisii and Eldoret on October 19 and 18 respectively.
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