Kenyan athlete Brian Kipsang has been handed a two-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for a prohibited substance, Triamcinolone acetonide, during an in-competition test in Rome, Italy, on March 16, 2025.

The sanction, which was officially announced on May 5, 2025, follows Kipsang’s admission of the anti-doping rule violation and acceptance of the consequences.

According to the AIU’s published decision, Kipsang, 30, provided a urine sample that was found to contain Triamcinolone acetonide, a glucocorticoid listed under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2025 Prohibited List.

The substance is banned in-competition when administered via injectable, oral, or rectal routes unless the athlete has a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), which Kipsang did not possess.

Upon notification of the adverse analytical finding, Kipsang chose not to request a B sample analysis and subsequently admitted to the violation.

The AIU determined that there was no evidence the violation was intentional, which under World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules resulted in a mandatory two-year period of ineligibility rather than the maximum four years.

As a result, Kipsang is ineligible to compete in any event governed by World Athletics until May 1, 2027. Additionally, all results, medals, points, and prizes obtained by Kipsang from March 16, 2025, onwards have been disqualified.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts by athletics authorities to maintain the integrity of the sport and the strict liability athletes face regarding banned substances.

Recently the Victor Ashiali, an educator from the Anti Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) called on Kenyan athletes to stay from supplements with medical consultation. Ashiali said that the local market of supplements is unregulated hence easy prey for banned substances.

“You should be careful about the supplements you buy and consume. In fact, it is advisable to stay away from them because of how the market is unregulated,” Ashiali said.

Ashiali also reiterated the need to avoid self-medication or non-prescription drugs without seeing a medical professional.

“Leave the doctors to do their job. Most of the prohibited substances are part of the common drugs we use daily. That is why you should always declare you are an athlete whenever you go to seek medical attention,” he noted.

He was speaking during a refresher course for athletes who will be representing Kenya at the World Relays in Guangzhou, China on May 10-11.

Kenya, a dominant force in distance running, has faced increased scrutiny and enhanced testing protocols in recent years due to a rise in doping cases among its athletes.

The AIU’s decision is subject to appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) or the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Kipsang’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with anti-doping regulations at all levels of competitive athletics.

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