NAIROBI, Kenya- The government has identified 25 counties as high-risk zones for a possible Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak even as health authorities maintained that Kenya has not recorded any confirmed case of the deadly disease.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said as of May 30, 2026, all samples collected from suspected Ebola alerts across the country had tested negative, providing reassurance amid growing public concern over the outbreak in parts of the region.
According to the Ministry of Health, a total of 18 samples collected from alerts reported in Nairobi, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyamira, West Pokot and Kisumu were tested and all returned negative results.
“Kenya has not reported any confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease as of 30th May 2026,” Muthoni said during an update on the country’s preparedness measures.
The PS revealed that risk mapping conducted by health authorities had identified 25 counties requiring heightened surveillance due to their proximity to major transport corridors, border points and international travel routes.
The 12 counties classified as very high risk are Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Kisumu, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Siaya, West Pokot, Turkana, Homa Bay and Migori.
Another 13 counties have been categorized as high risk. They include Vihiga, Kakamega, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Kiambu, Machakos, Makueni, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Isiolo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Garissa.
To strengthen preparedness, the Ministry of Health has designated four laboratories to conduct Ebola testing.
These include the National Public Health Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu and a mobile laboratory stationed in Busia. Health officials say the facilities have significantly enhanced the country’s capacity for rapid detection and response.
The government has also intensified screening and surveillance at airports, border points and other entry routes as concerns grow over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of Uganda.
Muthoni said Kenya had strengthened emergency preparedness systems, including isolation facilities, rapid response teams and laboratory networks to ensure any suspected case is detected and contained quickly.
Her remarks come amid heightened debate over reports of a proposed Ebola quarantine and treatment facility backed by the United States in Kenya.
The proposal has sparked legal and political discussions, with authorities insisting that any international cooperation will be guided by Kenyan laws, public health regulations and national interests.
The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to remain calm, avoid misinformation and continue observing public health advisories as surveillance efforts continue across the country.
