Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale defended government Ebola preparedness measures, stating that authorities do not need public approval to implement interventions designed to protect the country from a potential outbreak.
During parliamentary proceedings on Wednesday, Duale emphasized that the government bears a constitutional and legal duty to respond promptly to any public health threats.
Duale informed lawmakers that citizen consultation is not required under the Public Health Order, stating, ‘We are not going to consult citizens.’
He warned that postponing essential interventions could place the nation at considerable risk should Ebola reach Kenya.
Should Ebola enter the country, ‘this House will call me back here,’ the minister stated.
The Cabinet Secretary reiterated that the government bears responsibility for protecting the health of both Kenyan citizens and foreign travelers passing through the nation.
Duale emphasized, ‘We as a government have a moral and constitutional responsibility to protect Kenyans and non-Kenyans who transit within our country.’
These comments followed the Ministry of Health’s announcement of comprehensive preparedness measures in response to the Ebola outbreak in neighboring Uganda and the broader regional threat connected to the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The ministry has strengthened screening at airports and border crossings, improved surveillance systems, and activated emergency response mechanisms throughout the country.
Duale informed Members of Parliament that entry point screening has been enhanced through health declarations, temperature checks, symptom evaluations, and referral procedures.
Major airports and busy land border crossings are also reviewing and activating thermal scanners, isolation rooms, and emergency transport systems.
Four laboratories have been designated for Ebola testing, comprising the National Public Health Laboratory, KEMRI facilities in Nairobi and Kisumu, and a mobile laboratory deployed to facilitate rapid diagnosis in border areas.
The World Health Organization has provided 1,000 Ebola personal protective equipment kits, which are being strategically positioned at key facilities and high-risk entry points.
The Cabinet Secretary additionally disclosed that Kenya has designated 12 counties as extremely high risk for Ebola transmission and 13 additional counties as high risk as authorities intensify preparedness activities.
Counties classified as extremely high risk include Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Kisumu, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Siaya, West Pokot, Turkana, Homa Bay and Migori.
The additional high-risk counties include Vihiga, Kakamega, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Kiambu, Machakos, Makueni, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Isiolo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Garissa.
Duale also revealed that the ministry has investigated 22 Ebola alerts across nine counties, with all samples testing negative for the virus.
These suspected cases were identified through the nation’s enhanced surveillance system as health officials increased monitoring in response to regional outbreaks.
The government has repeatedly assured the public that no confirmed Ebola cases have been reported in Kenya.
Previously, the ministry reported that three travelers with recent travel history from the Democratic Republic of Congo were isolated and tested after exhibiting symptoms linked to other medical conditions.
Four additional contacts were tested, with all results returning negative.
The ministry reported that over 42,000 travelers have been screened at entry points as authorities maintain enhanced surveillance measures.
Rapid response teams remain on standby, while hundreds of healthcare professionals nationwide have received training and awareness programs on Ebola detection and response protocols.
Duale informed Parliament that despite the country’s robust laboratory capacity, additional resources would be necessary to maintain preparedness efforts if the regional situation deteriorates.
The ministry has urged citizens to remain calm, maintain hygiene practices, and rely solely on official information from health authorities as Kenya continues monitoring regional developments.