NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health has identified 25 counties as either “very high risk” or “high risk” as Kenya intensifies its preparedness against Ebola outbreaks reported in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the country remains on high alert despite no confirmed cases, with enhanced surveillance ongoing at all 26 points of entry and regular updates expected from the ministry.
Speaking at Afya House on Tuesday, Muthoni also noted that the government is monitoring 10 neighbouring countries as part of broader regional containment efforts.
The “very high risk” counties include Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Kisumu, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Siaya, West Pokot, Turkana, Homa Bay and Migori—many of them border counties considered entry points for cross-border transmission.
Those classified as “high risk” include 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 border points within the last 24 hours, bringing the cumulative number to about 67,000.
PS Muthoni also said the government is considering mandatory 21-day quarantine for travellers arriving from high-risk countries as part of efforts to prevent potential spread.
“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 further urged Kenyans to avoid non-essential travel to affected countries while containment measures are strengthened. The government also plans to intensify screening and contact tracing for all arrivals at border points.
Additionally, Kenya will require exit screening certificates from travellers arriving from affected regions, verified by health authorities in their countries of departure, and shared with airlines or transport operators.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports that DRC has recorded more than 1,000 suspected Ebola cases since the outbreak was declared on May 15, including nearly 250 deaths. Uganda has also reported several infections and at least one death.
President William Ruto has maintained that Kenya has adequate preparedness measures in place to contain any possible outbreak. However, his administration has faced public scrutiny following approval of a U.S.-linked Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki.
