Kenya Ramps up Ebola Vigilance as Deadly Outbreak Spreads in Neighbouring Countries

Kenya has intensified its Ebola preparedness and border surveillance measures after the emergence of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said.

The CS said the Ministry of Health has activated enhanced monitoring systems and emergency response protocols nationwide to prevent any potential incursion of the virus into Kenyan territory.

In a statement issued on Friday, Duale acknowledged that the country remains particularly exposed due to high levels of cross-border movement driven by trade, transport links and frequent regional travel.

Despite the elevated risk, Duale stressed that no confirmed Ebola cases have been recorded in Kenya.

Three individuals who had recently travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo were isolated and tested after presenting themselves at local health facilities. Although they were suffering from unrelated illnesses, they were screened as a precaution and all the three tested negative for the virus.

Four other people who had accompanied the travellers were also tested and subsequently cleared, the ministry said.

The government is continuing to bolster surveillance at points of entry, strengthen screening procedures, and refine rapid response mechanisms as part of broader efforts to protect public health.

Duale reminded citizens that Kenya’s Public Health Act provides a robust legal framework for the management of infectious disease outbreaks and the protection of national health security at large.