NAIROBI, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has stated that it will only send clean athletes to the 2019 African Games in Morocco from August 19 to 31.
At least 60 of the country's elite runners have been suspended for using banned performance enhancement supplements.
Team manager Dimmy Kisalu said random screenings have been carried out to prevent any doping allegations, adding that they are satisfied the team will be clean.
"Let the management of the African Games be assured we are only entering clean athletes. The screening of athletes started a week ago when the team reported to camp and is expected to be completed before the team jets out on August 23," said Kisalu on Monday in Nairobi.
At the last African Games in Brazzaville in 2015, Kenya entered 364 athletes in 18 sports. This year, the country is sending 290 athletes across 22 disciplines.
The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) will conduct three tests in camp to root out any athletes testing positive.
Kenya is currently listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) under category 'A', meaning athletes are likely to dope.
However, Kisalu said Kenya is keen to enter a drug-free team to the African Games.
"Kenya has given its commitment to sending a clean team in each and every category to the games. We are currently in Category 'A' and the rules dictate that we subject athletes to three out-of-competition tests, which will be done before the team leaves on August 23. It began last week as the ADAK conducted random tests and shall continue until we ensure we have a drug-free squad," he said.
