A lab-technician analyses biological samples at Lancet laboratories, the only World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) accredited facility for eastern Africa, in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on June 7, 2019. (TONY KARUMBA / AFP)

NAIROBI - Kenya has not scaled down its anti-doping tests despite the challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic, an athletics official said on Monday.

The Anti-doping Association of Kenyan (ADAK) chief executive Japhter Rugut reassured the athletes that the war against cheating in the sport will be won and they will continue to do all they can to catch the culprits.

Our doping control officers are always working around the clock undertaking sample collections in line with international standards to ensure there is a clean sporting environment

Japhter Rugut, Chief executive, ADAK

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Rugut said that ADAK has been collecting samples for analysis in line with the Kenyan government safety measures and directives.

"Our doping control officers are always working around the clock undertaking sample collections in line with international standards to ensure there is a clean sporting environment," said Rugut in Nairobi.

Four years since their inception, ADAK has reached out to almost 40,000 athletes and spokespeople, carrying out 3,856 tests in Kenya.

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The country's anti-doping agency has since warned that they will not hesitate to pass stiffer penalties on offenders.