NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has intensified national preparedness measures following a regional Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The Ministry of Health says the response has been scaled up after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 16, 2026. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also classified it as a continental public health emergency.
Authorities say Kenya has not recorded any confirmed Ebola cases linked to the current outbreak. However, officials warn that the country remains at risk due to high regional mobility through road, air, and trade routes.
Regional outbreak under close watch
According to the Ministry of Health, the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is currently affecting parts of eastern DRC and Uganda.
As of May 18, more than 336 alerts and suspected cases were under investigation in DRC. At least 87 deaths have been reported, including two in Uganda. Health workers are among those affected.
Thirteen laboratory-confirmed cases have been identified across the two countries.
Officials have classified the situation as a Grade 3 high-risk event, citing cross-border transmission, delayed detection, high mobility, and the absence of approved vaccines or treatments for this strain.
Kenya activates emergency systems
The Ministry of Health has activated a national Incident Management System coordinated through the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI).
County governments have also been placed on alert, with Public Health Emergency Operations Centres activated nationwide.
Rapid Response Teams have been put on 24-hour standby to handle any suspected cases.
The government says screening has been intensified at airports, seaports, and land border points.
More than 34,500 travellers have already been screened. This includes international passengers, domestic travellers, truck drivers, and transport vehicles.
Authorities have not imposed blanket quarantine measures but say they are using risk-based screening in line with International Health Regulations.
Border surveillance and testing strengthened
Kenya has also expanded surveillance systems in high-risk border areas, including mobility tracking and digital passenger monitoring.
Additional measures include enhanced screening at airports through aviation authorities and closer coordination with regional partners, including Uganda, DRC, WHO, the East African Community, and Africa CDC.
Laboratory capacity has been strengthened at major testing centres, including KEMRI facilities in Nairobi and Kisumu, the National Public Health Laboratory, and mobile diagnostic units.
County governments have been directed to ensure rapid sample transport systems for faster testing and response.
Clinical readiness and public communication
The Ministry says it is also mapping ambulance services in high-risk counties and working with the Kenya Red Cross and private hospitals to strengthen referral systems.
At the same time, authorities have stepped up risk communication campaigns to prevent misinformation and public panic.
Community Health Promoters are supporting surveillance and public awareness, while media, transport operators, and digital platforms are being engaged to share verified health information.
Public urged to stay alert
Health officials are urging Kenyans to remain vigilant and rely only on official Ministry of Health updates.
The public has been advised to maintain hygiene, avoid contact with suspected cases, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding occur, especially after travel to affected regions.
Citizens can access Ebola information through the toll-free line *719# or by calling 719.
The Ministry says Kenya’s strengthened surveillance systems place the country in a better position to detect, contain, and respond to any potential case while continuing coordination with regional and global health partners.
