Kenya Wins Seven Golds as Doping Scrutiny Deepens

Kenya claimed seven golds and 11 medals at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, finishing second to the United States. The result is tempered by persistent doping problems and a World Anti‑Doping Agency warning that it may sanction the Anti‑Doping Agency of Kenya for non‑compliance, a step that could bar Kenyan athletes from international competition and prevent the country from hosting events. Since 2017 about 140 Kenyan athletes — more than any other nation — have been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit, including Jemima Sumgong, Ruth Chepngetich (provisionally suspended after testing positive for a diuretic) and Benard Kibet Koech. Kenyan commentators and former athletes say extreme poverty and pressure to lift families out of hardship help drive doping, critics call the situation “an emergency,” and the government has repeatedly invested in anti‑doping efforts. The situation is further complicated by talent migration: several Kenyan‑born athletes now compete for other countries, for example Winfred Yavi for Bahrain, Lornah for Israel and Mercy Jeruto for Kazakhstan.