Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has confirmed that Kenya’s national surveillance system has investigated 22 suspected Ebola alerts across nine counties, all of which tested negative.
During a parliamentary appearance on Wednesday, June 3, Duale revealed the affected counties at the Speaker’s direction to discuss Kenya’s Ebola preparedness and response measures.
The affected counties include Nairobi, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyamira, West Pokot, Kisumu, and Bungoma.
“The national surveillance system has captured and investigated 22 suspected alerts from across the country. All of them have tested negative. These alerts were reported from Nairobi, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyamira, West Pokot, Kisumu, and Bungoma,” he stated.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that three of the alerts were reported in the last 24 hours and were also confirmed negative after investigation.
“In the last 24 hours, three alerts from Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, and Bungoma were investigated and they were confirmed negative,” Duale added.
According to the CS, rapid response teams have been placed on standby for immediate deployment whenever alerts are reported.
He mentioned that the National Ebola Incident Management System was activated on May 20 to establish a unified central command and coordination framework.
The system works alongside county public health emergency operation centers, all of which remain on high alert to respond promptly to any suspected cases.
Additionally, Duale stated that surveillance in health facilities and at entry points has been enhanced, while advisories have been issued to all 47 counties.
Duale’s briefing comes as concerns grow over Ebola outbreaks and the proposed United States quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, which has triggered protests.
He defended the facility, explaining that the government is collaborating with international partners.
Duale emphasized that isolation centers are essential to manage potential cases and support screening of thousands crossing borders daily, noting that Kenyan health would be prioritized at any facility within the country.
“We must look at how to save a nation. We are more concerned about Americans coming but we are not concerned about the thousands of Kenyans, truck drivers, who pass every day. Let us not politicize the health of our citizens,” he said.