NAIROBI– The Ministry of Health has reassured Kenyans that the country remains free of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) despite an ongoing outbreak in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, while announcing enhanced surveillance and response measures to prevent any potential importation of the disease.
In a press statement issued on Friday, Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, said Kenya has strengthened national preparedness and response systems due to the country’s close trade, transport and population movement links with affected neighbouring countries.
“As of June 5, 2026, Kenya has not reported any confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease,” the statement said.
The Ministry noted that surveillance activities have been intensified at Points of Entry across the country, with designated laboratories prepared to conduct Ebola testing and coordination mechanisms strengthened at both national and county levels.
According to the Ministry, more than 80,000 travellers have undergone Ebola screening at various entry points into the country. Within the last 24 hours alone, 3,969 travellers were screened. Additionally, 65 samples collected from alerts involving individuals with recent travel history to the DRC and Uganda have been tested, with all results returning negative.
To strengthen diagnostic capacity, the government has designated four laboratories for Ebola testing: the National Public Health Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu, and a mobile laboratory stationed at the Busia One-Stop Border Post.
The Ministry has also identified 25 high-risk counties, deployed 347 rapid response personnel, and trained over 1,759 national and county healthcare workers on Ebola preparedness and response. Simulation exercises are currently underway in high-risk counties to assess and enhance the country’s ability to detect and respond to outbreaks swiftly.
The government is further conducting sustained public awareness and risk communication campaigns targeting border communities, healthcare workers, transport operators and other vulnerable populations.
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms associated with Ebola, including fever, chills, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, backache, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, weakness, skin rash, sore throat, or signs of impaired kidney or liver function, particularly after travelling to affected regions.
The Ministry also advised Kenyans to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick individuals, refrain from handling sick or dead animals, and rely only on verified information from official public health authorities.
CS Duale cautioned against the spread of unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic, assuring the public that the government continues to closely monitor developments and will provide regular updates as the situation evolves.
“The Ministry remains committed to playing its role as a responsible regional and global partner in advancing health security. Kenya will continue to act responsibly in safeguarding both national and global health security,” the statement said.
Members of the public can access Ebola preparedness information and key health messages through the Ministry of Health’s official communication platforms and by dialling *719#.
