The Ministry of Health has placed 25 counties under heightened surveillance as Kenya steps up measures to prevent the spread of Ebola following outbreaks reported in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the country has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case but remains vigilant as health authorities strengthen preparedness efforts across key entry points.
Speaking during a meeting at Afya House on Tuesday, PS Muthoni said the government has intensified monitoring at the country’s 26 points of entry and is closely tracking developments in 10 neighbouring countries considered to be at risk.
Counties classified as being at very high risk include Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Kisumu, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Siaya, West Pokot, Turkana, Homa Bay and Migori. Most of these counties either host major transport hubs or are located along Kenya’s international borders.
The high-risk category comprises Vihiga, Kakamega, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kilifi, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Isiolo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Garissa.
According to the Ministry, 13,548 travellers were screened at various entry points within the last 24 hours. Cumulatively, about 67,000 travellers have undergone screening as authorities intensify surveillance efforts.
The government is also considering stricter containment measures, including a mandatory 21-day quarantine period for travellers arriving from countries deemed to be at high risk of Ebola transmission.
“At all border points, including the country’s airports, surveillance and screening have been enhanced with the Ministry of Health now saying over 1000 health officers have been trained and are ready to respond to any case,” she said.
“Currently, emergency operation centers in 26 counties have been activated to deal with any eventuality,” she added.
The Ministry has advised Kenyans to avoid non-essential travel to affected countries as regional efforts to contain the disease continue. Health officials also plan to strengthen contact tracing and screening of all incoming travellers at border crossings, airports and other points of entry.
In addition, Kenya will require travellers entering the country to present certified exit surveillance reports issued by authorities in their countries of departure.
Travellers will also be expected to provide detailed screening reports, which must be shared with the airlines or transport companies used during their journey.
President William Ruto has expressed confidence in the country’s preparedness, stating that Kenya has adequate measures in place to detect and contain any Ebola case that may arise.
Meanwhile, the government’s decision to approve the establishment of a United States-supported Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki has attracted public debate, with critics questioning the move even as authorities maintain it forms part of broader preparedness efforts.
Health officials have reiterated that no Ebola case has been reported in Kenya and urged the public to remain calm while adhering to public health advisories aimed at preventing possible transmission of the disease.
