Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni.
By Ongaga Ongaga
The Ministry of Health has elevated the nation’s Ebola readiness protocols, including daily coordination sessions and reinforced monitoring at border checkpoints, despite Kenya remaining unaffected by any confirmed cases of the illness.
Muthoni confirmed that the ministry has established specialized subcommittees convening daily to evaluate potential risks and coordinate responses to the developing Ebola situation.
Addressing a preparedness meeting at Afya House on Monday with departmental heads from public health, Muthoni stated that Kenya’s vigilance had heightened following regional outbreak concerns, with ten neighboring countries now under close monitoring.
She emphasized that the government maintains heightened alertness across all 26 entry points and will continue providing regular updates on preparedness initiatives.
According to the ministry, 25 counties have been designated as either “very high risk” or “high risk” as part of strategies to prevent the introduction and transmission of this lethal zoonotic disease.
Counties classified as very high risk include Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Kisumu, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Siaya, West Pokot, Turkana, Homa Bay and Migori, many situated along Kenya’s international boundaries.
Those categorized as high risk are Vihiga, Kakamega, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kilifi, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Isiolo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Garissa.
The ministry reported that 13,548 travelers underwent screening at entry points in the past 24 hours alone, bringing the total number of screened travelers to approximately 67,000.
As additional containment measures under consideration, the government is assessing the possibility of implementing a mandatory 21-day quarantine for travelers arriving from high-risk nations before entry into the country.
Surveillance and screening procedures have also been intensified at all border crossings and airports. The ministry confirmed that more than 1,000 health personnel have already received training and are prepared to respond if any cases are detected.
The meeting also endorsed the creation of critical response teams with representation from county administrations to enhance preparedness at all levels. Emergency Operations Centers have been activated in 26 counties to coordinate response efforts.
Kenyans, including government officials, have been cautioned against non-essential travel to affected countries as part of initiatives to reduce the risk of importing infections.
The government has further committed to screening and tracing all individuals entering the country through border points while collecting essential data to support surveillance and response initiatives.
In further tightening of entry requirements, Kenya will mandate travelers to provide exit surveillance reports certified by authorities in their countries of origin. Detailed screening reports will also need to be shared with airlines and transportation operators bringing passengers into the country.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has expanded public awareness campaigns across multiple platforms and is urging Kenyans to maintain basic hygiene practices and minimize unnecessary physical contact as part of efforts to prevent disease transmission.