Despite no confirmed Ebola cases within its borders, Kenya is enhancing surveillance and preparedness efforts due to an ongoing outbreak in neighboring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In a Friday, June 5, 2026 press statement, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale noted that Kenya maintains high alert status due to significant cross-border movement of people and goods.
Health officials emphasized that Kenya’s trade connections, transportation systems, and population movements create heightened risk for disease importation, though no local cases have been confirmed.
The statement highlighted, ‘Given Kenya’s close regional connectivity through trade, transport, and population movement, the country remains at elevated risk of disease importation. In response, the Government has intensified national preparedness and response measures to safeguard public health.’
Authorities have activated the National Incident Management System and enhanced screening at entry points as part of comprehensive measures to prevent potential disease transmission.
Officials also confirmed that all tested samples from individuals with recent travel history have yielded negative results.
According to CS Duale, ‘Kenya has activated the National Incident Management System and intensified surveillance at Points of Entry, designated laboratories for Ebola testing, and strengthened coordination mechanisms at both national and county.’
The ministry reports that over 80,000 travelers have been screened for Ebola at various entry points, with 3,969 individuals screened in the past 24 hours.
Health authorities added that 56 samples from individuals with recent travel to affected regions have been tested, all returning negative results.
Duale stated, ‘To date, more than 80,000 travelers have been screened for Ebola Virus Disease through various Points of Entry, including 3,969 people screened within the past 24 hours. Additionally, 56 samples from individuals with recent travel history to the DRC and Uganda have been tested, with all results negative.’
Kenya has established four national laboratories for Ebola testing, including the National Public Health Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu, and a mobile laboratory at the Busia One-Stop Border Post.
The Ministry has also identified 25 high-risk counties, positioned 347 rapid response personnel on standby, and trained over 1,759 healthcare workers at national and county levels on Ebola preparedness and response.
Duale stated, ‘The Ministry has identified 25 high-risk counties, placed 347 rapid response personnel on standby, and sensitized more than 1,759 healthcare workers on Ebola preparedness and response.’
Simulation exercises are being conducted in high-risk counties to assess the nation’s capacity for rapid detection and response to potential outbreaks.
The Ministry is collaborating with county governments, regional institutions, and international partners to enhance coordination and preparedness at national and local levels.
The Ministry advised the public to remain calm yet vigilant, particularly individuals who have recently traveled to Uganda or the DRC and exhibit Ebola-related symptoms.
The statement advised, ‘Members of the public are urged to remain calm but vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms including fever, chills, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, backache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, skin rash, sore throat, or signs of impaired kidney or liver function.’
Kenyans were encouraged to maintain high personal hygiene standards, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick individuals, and refrain from handling sick or dead animals.
The government urged the public to depend solely on official information from the Ministry of Health, Kenya National Public Health Institute, World Health Organization, and Africa CDC, cautioning against unverified information that might cause undue alarm.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale affirmed that the ministry will continue closely monitoring the situation and providing regular updates to the public.
The statement concluded, ‘Members of the public are urged to refrain from spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic.’