The 26-year-old, who lived in Kentucky in the United States, tested positive for a prohibited anabolic agent after an in-competition sample was taken on July 4.

She had been competing at the Great Buffalo Chase 5km event in Kentucky's capital Frankfort.

Mariita's ban began on August 14, the day she was informed of a provisional suspension.

The winner of the 2012 Miami half-marathon was also sanctioned last month by Athletics Kenya after testing positive for EPO, a blood boosting hormone, and given a two-year ban.

All medals, points and prizes she obtained after July 4 have been forfeited.

Doping has been a major problem for Kenyan athletics, with the country banning seven of its competitors in November, including Mariita.

Among those suspended were double world cross country champion and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Emily Chebet, 400 metres runner Joyce Zakary and 400m hurdler Koki Manunga.

The number of Kenyans banned for drugs offences is now thought to be close to 50.