ADAK welcomes doping conviction of Indian teen Aman Malik

The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has welcomed the sentencing of Indian national Aman Malik by the JKIA Law Courts, even as the country faces a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) deadline that could bring sanctions next month.

Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku sentenced Malik to three years in prison after finding him guilty on four charges linked to possession and handling of banned substances. He was also fined Ksh1 million or serve an extra 12 months in jail.

“The sentencing reflects the seriousness with which Kenya treats offenses related to doping, trafficking, and the handling of prohibited substances,” ADAK said in a statement, adding that the ruling “demonstrates that Kenya’s legal and regulatory frameworks are operational and effective in protecting clean athletes.”

The ruling comes at a delicate time after WADA declared earlier this month that ADAK was non-compliant with its code, saying Kenya had “not addressed several critical requirements” highlighted in an audit in May last year.

Kenya was given 21 days from September 11 to respond to the notice. If not resolved, sanctions will start on October 2.

Possible sanctions include ADAK losing funding and access to WADA programmes.

Also, Kenyan officials could be barred from international anti-doping boards, and the country would not be allowed to host regional, continental, or global sports events during the suspension period.

ADAK insisted it will not tolerate doping: “Possession, use, or trafficking of prohibited substances constitutes a violation under the Anti-Doping Act and the World Anti-Doping Code. Violations carry severe sporting, legal, and reputational consequences,” it said.