Athletics Kenya has this evening suspended athletics agents Rosa Associates and Volares Sports from dealing with Kenyan athletes for six months pending investigations into doping cases in the country.

The two high profile firms manage top athletes in the country including Rita Jeptoo who is currently serving a two year ban for doping. Other athletes managed by the two firms include Asbel Kiprop, world record holder in men’s marathon Dennis Kimetto, Geoffrey Mutai and Wilson Kipsang.

AK found themselves in tricky position last year after Jeptoo tested positive for banned substance and several local athletes were also implicated in doping. The Athletics body has since opened investigations into the issue and it was only two weeks ago AK President Isaiah Kiplagat confirmed they will be suspending two agents as they seek to clear they name from any wrong doing.

Meanwhile Kiplagat has revealed he will step aside for three months starting from 1st of next month to step up his bid for IAAF vice president post. In his absence, Jack Tuwei will be the acting President.

AK chairman Nairobi branch Barnabas Korir has welcomed Kiplagat’s decision to step aside saying the move will impact AK affairs positively. Korir alongside 15 AK brances across the country have been vocal over Kiplagat’s leadership in the recent past and he says it’s time to bring in fresh ideas in the federation.

“We are very happy about that, what he did today is a major decision that will impact AK affairs. I think he is determined to go home, people are happy and should give him a good sent off and thank him for what he has done to the federation” Korir said.

“The issue is that if you have stayed for a long time in a Federation, it’s paramount you leave so that others can bring new ideas, we are not saying he did not do anything, we are saying it’s time for change so that new ideas can come, he has done his part, so let other people come and do their part also so that we can compare” Korir added.

Korir has hailed their latest quest to have change in the Federation saying today’s move to suspend two agents as well Kiplagat agreeing to give someone else to run the affairs of the AK for three months is a very big achievement.

It is unlikely Kiplagat will be back in the Athletics body even if he fails in his bid to become IAAF vice president. Kiplagat has been in the Federation for over twenty five years.

Photo Credit: Safaricom