By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Reporting with precision is crucial for journalists covering matters of anti-doping in the country because the subject is scientifically complex, legally sensitive, and reputationally explosive.
One misstep can have far-reaching consequences, making accuracy paramount.
Speaking during the sixth ADAK Anti-Doping Media workshop in Mombasa, Dr. Martin Yauma, a prominent Kenyan sports scientist and leading expert in anti-doping, noted that the two-day engagement with member scribes from the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) “reflects a shared responsibility in safeguarding clean sport”.
“As media professionals, you are not just reporters of events — you are shapers of narratives, custodians of public trust, and powerful partners in promoting integrity within sport,” said Yauma, who is currently serving as the Acting Director of Standards & Compliance (formerly Head of Education and Research) at the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).
Yauma explained that Anti-doping is anchored on the principles of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the global framework established under the World Anti-Doping Code.
He continued: “However, the success of this framework depends significantly on awareness, accurate reporting, and informed public discourse — areas where you play a critical role. Your reporting influences how athletes, federations, policymakers, and the public understand issues of: Doping violations and sanctions
Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)
Testing procedures and results management.”
Yauma added: “This workshop is therefore designed to demystify anti-doping regulations, clarify legal frameworks, and strengthen collaboration between ADAK and the media fraternity. We aim to equip you with factual, clear, and practical knowledge that will enhance accurate, ethical, and balanced reporting.”
As Kenya continues to make its mark on the global sporting stage, “protecting the credibility of our athletes and our nation’s sporting reputation is not optional — it is imperative.”
“Let this workshop mark the beginning of an even stronger partnership between ADAK and the sports media in promoting transparency, accountability, and clean competition,” Yauma highlighted.
James Waindi, President of the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) remarked that sports, particularly athletics, are a cornerstone of national pride and a significant economic driver, hence the role of the sports scribes in the country extends far beyond just reporting the results.
“The Anti-Doping workshop is not just a professional development seminar; it is a critical intervention for the country’s sporting future. As we begin this Anti Doping workshop, it is important that after the end of the two-day workshop, we are familiar with the 2026 WADA Prohibited List as well as Anti-Doping jargon to report accurately on specific violations,” said Waindi.
This year’s two-day conference is designed to equip sports journalists with the technical knowledge and investigative tools required to navigate the evolving anti-doping landscape.
Yauma added that the objective of tje workshop is to improve the accuracy of reporting on doping cases and reduce legal risks for media houses.
SJAK and ADAK have partnered over the past six seasons to help members of the fourth estate better understand Anti-Doping jargon and dynamics.
