NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has placed 12 counties on high alert for potential Ebola transmission, citing their strategic position along major transport and trade corridors, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has told Parliament.
The counties — Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Kisumu, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Homa Bay, Migori and Kisii — have been classified as “very high-risk” hotspots, prompting intensified surveillance, screening and preparedness measures.
Duale said the classification is largely driven by the Northern Corridor transport network, a critical regional trade route that links Kenya to neighbouring countries and facilitates the large-scale movement of people and goods.
“As a result of this risk profile, the Ministry of Health has significantly scaled up screening, surveillance and preparedness activities in these areas,” Duale said.
In addition, 13 counties have been placed under high-risk monitoring. These include Vihiga, Kakamega, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kilifi, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Isiolo, Garissa and Elgeyo Marakwet.
The Health CS told lawmakers that Kenya’s disease surveillance system has so far investigated 22 Ebola alerts nationwide, all of which tested negative.
The alerts were reported in Nairobi, Kiambu, Siaya, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyamira, Kisumu, West Pokot and Bungoma.
He added that three additional alerts recently recorded in Nairobi, Uasin Gishu and Bungoma were also investigated and confirmed negative.
Duale assured Parliament that Kenya has sufficient medical supplies to manage a potential outbreak, noting that the country currently holds test kits, reagents and personal protective equipment (PPE) adequate to support the treatment of approximately 200 Ebola patients.
“While our laboratory capacity is strong, I wish to be candid that the available test kits, reagents and personal protective equipment can support the management of about 200 victims,” he said.
Four laboratories have been designated for Ebola testing — the National Public Health Laboratory in Nairobi, KEMRI laboratories in Nairobi and Kisumu, and a mobile laboratory in Busia.
At the national referral level, Kenyatta National Hospital has prepared eight isolation beds and conducted a simulation exercise, while the National Police Service Hospital has set aside 49 isolation beds for potential cases.
Duale further revealed that 29 counties have identified isolation and treatment facilities, with Ministry of Health teams currently conducting on-site assessments to verify readiness.
Screening has also been intensified at key points of entry, including major airports and high-traffic land border crossings.
“Thermal scanners, holding rooms and ambulance systems are being reviewed and activated across all priority entry points,” Duale said.
Kenya’s heightened alert follows an Ebola outbreak in neighbouring Uganda, with health authorities racing to prevent cross-border transmission and local spread.
