Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale informed Parliament on Wednesday that twenty-two Ebola alerts reported throughout nine counties have been thoroughly investigated with all results coming back negative.
His statement comes as Kenya intensifies surveillance and preparedness efforts in response to the outbreak in neighboring Uganda.
Duale revealed that alerts were registered in Nairobi, Kiambu, Siaya, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyamira, Kisumu, West Pokot and Bungoma counties.
“The national surveillance system has examined 22 alerts nationwide, and all have returned negative findings,” he stated.
He noted that three recent alerts from Nairobi, Uasin Gishu and Bungoma counties were also investigated and confirmed negative.
The cabinet secretary informed legislators that Kenya currently possesses test kits, reagents and protective gear adequate to manage approximately 200 Ebola patients, while four laboratories have been selected for testing.
“I want to be completely transparent. Although laboratory capacity is robust, the test kits and reagents, along with personal protective equipment capable of supporting around 200 patients, are available,” he explained.
Duale specified that the designated testing locations include the National Public Health Laboratory in Nairobi, KEMRI laboratories in Nairobi and Kisumu, and a mobile laboratory in Busia.
“Given the virus’s extreme danger, four laboratories have been selected for Ebola testing: the National Public Health Laboratory in Nairobi, KEMRI laboratories in Nairobi and Kisumu, and the mobile laboratory in Busia,” he mentioned.
According to the cabinet secretary, these laboratories possess molecular testing capabilities to enable rapid diagnosis of suspected cases.
Duale stated that the government continues to enhance Ebola preparedness capacity at both national and county levels.
“At the national level, Kenyatta National Hospital has prepared eight isolation beds and conducted a practice drill. The hospital also maintains a separate facility for handling infectious waste,” he told Parliament.
He added that the National Police Service Hospital has allocated 49 isolation beds for potential Ebola cases.
At the county level, 29 counties have established isolation and treatment facilities, with Ministry of Health teams conducting on-site evaluations to determine their preparedness.
The cabinet secretary also mentioned that screening and surveillance protocols have been improved at the nation’s entry points to minimize the risk of cross-border transmission.
“Screening has been enhanced through thermal scanners, holding areas and ambulance services, which are being reviewed and implemented at all our priority entry points, including major airports and high-volume land border crossings,” he said.
Kenya has elevated preparedness measures following the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, with health authorities expanding surveillance, laboratory testing and response capabilities to prevent the introduction and spread of the disease.