Kenya's parliament passes anti-doping law

Kenya looks to avoid being deemed non-compliant by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

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Kenya sports minister Hassan Wario says the country's parliament has passed a doping bill, according to the Associated Press. 

The bill is expected to be signed by president Uhuru Kenyatta and adopted into law.

The law aims to criminalize doping offenses and needs to be passed by May 2 to beat a deadline set by the World Anti-Doping Agency. If the country missed the deadline for a third time, WADA would deem it non-compliant with its anti-doping code.

Russia was deemed non-compliant after a report by WADA uncovered signs of systemic doping within the country as well as cover-ups of positive tests by athletes, coaches and agents. The IAAF suspended Russia from international competition until it became compliant with WADA regulations. The country missed the 2016 world indoor championships and could miss the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Marathoner Wesley Korir also serves as a member of Kenya's Parliament and has been very vocal against doping. He finished fourth in Monday's Boston Marathon.

“I am happy that parliament has done Kenya a favor, with passing the bill today,” Korir told SI in a statement. “This is our first step in fighting a vice. This is the beginning of a long journey to clean up.”

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Since 2012, more than 40 Kenyan runners have tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. Kenya topped the medal table at the 2015 world championships with 16 medals—seven of which were gold.

- Chris Chavez