Exclusive: Kenya Threatens to Ban Agencies After Ruth Chepngetich’s Doping Violation

Rosa & Associati, a prominent athlete management agency, could once again come under investigation following the provisional suspension of Kenyan marathon star Ruth Chepngetich, Sportsboom can exclusively report.

Chepngetich, who shattered the women’s marathon world record at the 2024 Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:09:56, tested positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). 

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed the substance was detected in a sample collected on 14 March.

Chepngetich is one of the top athletes managed by the Italy-based agency, which is led by Federico Rosa.

Controversial Past

This latest development adds to a series of doping controversies involving athletes under Rosa & Associati. 

In 2016, the agency was suspended from operating in Kenya for six months after an investigation into alleged doping practices.

Federico Rosa was also questioned by Kenyan authorities and appeared in court but was later cleared of any wrongdoing.

Nonetheless, a number of athletes formerly or currently represented by the agency have tested positive for banned substances. 

These include: Rita Jeptoo, Jemima Sumgong, Purity Rionoripo, Matthew Kisorio, Agatha Jeruto and now Ruth Chepngetich

Internal Measures and Public Pressure

In response to past scandals, Rosa & Associati has taken steps to distance itself from doping controversies. 

In 2017, the agency suspended several athletes who were found to have violated anti-doping rules. 

In 2020, it also introduced internal blood testing protocols in an effort to strengthen compliance with international standards.

Kenya Authorities Ready to Act

Chepngetich’s suspension has reignited concerns within Kenya’s athletics governing bodies. 

A senior source told SportsBoom that foreign management agencies are being increasingly viewed as contributors to the country’s doping crisis.

The source indicated that any agency found to have engaged in or facilitated doping conspiracies could lose its licence to operate in Kenya.

“If found guilty, they won’t be allowed to continue managing athletes here,” the source said.

Attempts to obtain a response from Rosa & Associati were unsuccessful, as the agency had not replied to repeated requests for comment at the time of publication.

Kenya’s Ongoing Doping Crisis

Kenya has long been known for producing world-class distance runners. 

However, its athletics reputation has been tarnished by a surge in doping cases. Over the past three years, 43 Kenyan athletes have been banned for anti-doping violations.

In February 2024, Sarah Chepchirchir was handed an eight-year ban after committing a second anti-doping offence. That same year, President Uhuru Kenyatta signed an amended anti-doping bill into law, aimed at strengthening Kenya’s response to the crisis.

Despite this, suspensions have continued. In 2025 alone, several Kenyan runners, including Brimin Kipkorir, Felix Kirui, and now Chepngetich, have faced sanctions.

Financial Pressure Driving Doping

A veteran Kenyan athletics coach told SportsBoom that the growing financial rewards in marathon racing are driving some athletes to resort to banned substances.

“It’s sad that this is happening. The competition is tough and some of these athletes are under pressure to win races and make money. That’s why they do such things,” the coach said.