BURA, Kenya — Kenya has not recorded any Ebola case despite heightened surveillance across the country, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said, as authorities step up preparedness measures amid concerns over the disease in the region.
Speaking on Sunday in Bura Town during a fundraiser for Islamic institutions, Duale said all suspected cases tested so far have returned negative results.
“As of now, we have not reported any case of Ebola. We have tested 67 people as of yesterday. All of them have turned negative,” he said.
The announcement comes as the Ministry of Health intensifies screening and monitoring efforts at key points of entry to prevent the disease from crossing into the country.
88,000 Travellers Screened
According to Duale, Kenya has screened approximately 88,000 travellers at border crossings, airports, and seaports as part of a nationwide surveillance programme.
“The country is on high alert. At our borders, airports, and seaports, we have screened 88,000 people as of this morning,” he said.
Health authorities have identified border surveillance as a critical component of the country’s preparedness strategy, particularly given increased regional movement and trade.
Hospitals and Laboratories on Alert
Duale said major referral facilities, including Kenyatta National Hospital, the National Police Service Hospital, and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, have expanded isolation capacity and are prepared to handle suspected cases if necessary.
“All our laboratories are on high alert. In the event we get a case, God forbid, we are prepared,” he said.
The Ministry of Health has also activated the toll-free *719# reporting platform to enable members of the public to report symptoms, receive guidance, and access emergency health information.
International Support and Future Preparedness
The Health CS said Kenya has secured sufficient stocks of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and laboratory reagents through support from international partners, including the United States and the World Health Organization.
He further revealed that Kenya is collaborating with the United States to establish a specialised quarantine, isolation, and treatment facility aimed at strengthening the country’s response to future infectious disease outbreaks.
Duale noted that Kenya is drawing on lessons learned from previous Ebola responses, including expertise gained by 170 Kenyan healthcare workers who served during outbreaks in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
More than 800 healthcare workers are currently undergoing preparedness training, while 29 counties have already established response teams.
Ruto Defends Ebola Preparedness Facility
The remarks come days after President William Ruto defended the government’s decision to establish an Ebola preparedness facility at the Laikipia Air Base.
Speaking during a media roundtable in Wajir, the President dismissed criticism of the project, arguing that preparedness for public health emergencies should not be politicised.
“We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing. People should relax. Politicians should avoid reckless, unnecessary talk that doesn’t mean anything,” Ruto said.
The President noted that Kenya already operates more than 20 specialised infectious disease facilities and argued that strengthening screening, isolation, and treatment capacity remains essential to protecting public health.
Duale urged Kenyans to remain vigilant, seek medical attention when unwell, and cooperate with health authorities, emphasizing that preventing an outbreak remains the government’s top priority.
