Athletics Kenya: Number of Kenyan athletes caught doping nowhere near those in Russia, China

NAIROBI, Kenya – The head of Kenya's athletics federation says the doping problem in his country is far less severe than in Russia or China.

Athletics Kenya President Isaiah Kiplagat said Friday the federation has banned or suspended 32 athletes for doping in the past five years.

He says "if you compare that to athletes banned by other federations like Russia and China we are nowhere."

Kiplagat says a government taskforce will formulate laws to punish anyone found guilty of supplying Kenyan athletes with performance-enhancing drugs.

Kiplagat said the federation plans next year to ban coaches who have worked with athletes caught doping. Rita Jeptoo, two-time winner of both the Chicago and Boston marathons, tested positive in September for the blood-boosting drug EPO.