Kenya Screens Over 140,000 Travellers As Ebola Surveillance Intensifies
Health Updated: 25 June 2026 20:55 EAT
Photo Courtesy : Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale
Kenya has screened more than 140,000 travellers arriving from Ebola-affected countries and investigated over 100 disease alerts, all of which have tested negative, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced.
Duale said the country remains free of confirmed Ebola Virus Disease cases despite heightened regional concerns following outbreaks reported in neighbouring countries. He noted that Kenya's position as a major transport and trade hub requires continuous vigilance against the risk of imported infections.
The Ministry of Health has strengthened surveillance at all major points of entry, including airports, seaports and land border crossings, where travellers from affected regions are undergoing health screening and monitoring.
According to the ministry, the Kenya National Public Health Institute activated the national Ebola Incident Management System on May 20 to coordinate preparedness and response efforts across the country. The system brings together health agencies and emergency response teams to ensure rapid detection and containment of any suspected cases.
Duale said health authorities have investigated more than 100 alerts reported through surveillance systems and healthcare facilities. Laboratory testing conducted on all suspected cases returned negative results, confirming that no Ebola infections have been detected in Kenya.
The government has also enhanced laboratory capacity, trained healthcare workers on Ebola case management, and increased the availability of personal protective equipment for frontline medical personnel.
Isolation and quarantine facilities have been prepared in strategic locations across the country as part of precautionary measures aimed at strengthening readiness in the event of a suspected outbreak.
Duale emphasized that the existence of isolation centres should not be interpreted as evidence that Ebola has entered Kenya. Instead, he described the facilities as a standard public health measure designed to ensure a rapid and effective response if needed.
He compared the preparations to maintaining emergency services before a disaster occurs, saying governments must invest in readiness before an outbreak emerges rather than reacting after infections have spread.
The Health CS said lessons learned from previous Ebola outbreaks in Africa have demonstrated the importance of early preparedness, strong surveillance systems and coordinated public health responses in preventing widespread transmission.
The ministry has also intensified public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about Ebola symptoms, transmission routes and preventive measures. Communities have been urged to report suspected cases promptly and seek medical attention if symptoms develop after travel to affected regions.
Kenya continues to work closely with regional and international health partners to monitor developments and share information on disease surveillance and outbreak response.
Duale reassured the public that the government remains fully committed to protecting public health and will continue providing updates as the Ebola situation in the region evolves, while maintaining strict screening and monitoring measures at the country's borders.
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FELIX MAKONA
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