The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is stepping up efforts to get Kenya banned from international competition for four years unless the nation seriously tackles doping by its athletes, the chairman of Kenya’s Olympic committee said yesterday.

Dozens of Kenyan runners have been caught doping in the past few years, tarnishing the reputation of the country famed for its middle and long-distance runners.

WADA and other officials have voiced frustration that Athletics Kenya (AK) has not cracked down on doping, despite frequent promises that it would do so.

Kipchoge Keino, a Kenyan running great and chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), said WADA was “seriously considering” recommending Kenya to be banned from all competitions for four years, including the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“It is no longer just a threat,” Keino told reporters in Nairobi.

“They think Kenya is sweeping doping issues under the carpet.

“The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya, Athletics Kenya and government must meet immediately to confront this issue or else we are in big trouble. Things are that bad.”

Kenya’s reputation was dealt a blow this year when Britain’s Sunday Times and broadcaster ARD/WDR said they had been leaked suspicious blood results from more than 800 athletes, including 77 Kenyans.˚