The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Sarah Shitube, has been placed on a 90-day compulsory leave following allegations of financial mismanagement. The decision was made during a Special Full Board Meeting held on December 16, 2024, chaired by Bishop Joseph Kagunda, the Chairman of the Board.
According to the Board, Ms. Shitube failed to exercise due diligence in fulfilling her fiduciary duties. Specifically, she was cited for authorizing unsupported payments in contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (2012) and the Public Procurement and Disposal Act. “This omission has occasioned a raft of pending bills that ought not to be there in the first place,” stated the letter signed by the Board Chair.
The letter further emphasized that such actions are in violation of Section 74(1) of the Public Finance Management Act (2012), which mandates strict adherence to accounting and procurement controls. The Board remarked, “The failure to comply with these acts constitutes an unlawful and negligent use of public funds, especially in cases where circumstances warrant prudence.”
In the interim, Ms. Peninah Wahome, Director of Standards and Compliance, has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Wahome is expected to oversee ADAK’s operations while the Board investigates the pending issues. The Board has instructed Ms. Shitube to hand over all office responsibilities, including bank account mandates, to her successor immediately.
This move underscores ADAK’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability. “As a public institution, we remain committed to ensuring that resources are used efficiently to meet our mandate,” Bishop Kagunda affirmed.
The Board has also notified key government officials, including the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, and the Attorney General, to provide oversight during the transition period.
