Kenya’s sports sector is governed by the Sports Act No. 25 of 2013, which established Sports Kenya as the national body responsible for promoting and developing sport, and the Sports Disputes Tribunal for resolving sports-related disputes.
Federation Registration Requirements
A national sports federation wishing to operate must register with Sports Kenya. Registration requirements include submission of a constitution meeting minimum governance standards, a list of founding members, details of the governing body, and evidence of affiliation to the relevant continental and world bodies.
State Funding and Accountability
Sports Kenya can allocate grants and facilities to registered federations. Federations receiving state funding are subject to audit and accountability requirements. The Act provides mechanisms for Sports Kenya to withdraw recognition from federations that fail governance standards.
Anti-Doping: ADAK and the WADA Code
Kenya administers anti-doping rules through the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) under the Anti-Doping Act 2016. Athletes, coaches, and support personnel are subject to anti-doping obligations and out-of-competition testing. Violations are handled through an independent tribunal process.
Gender Equity Requirement
The Sports Act and Constitution require that at least one-third of the governing body of any sports federation be of each gender. Federations that fail to meet this requirement can be denied registration renewal.
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