NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has intensified disease surveillance and border screening measures amid growing concerns over the spread of the Budibugyo strain of Ebola, which has claimed 141 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
The Ministry of Health has classified Kenya as a high-risk country for potential importation of the virus due to the regional movement of people and trade links with affected areas. However, health authorities maintain that no Ebola case has been detected in the country.
Speaking during a weekly meeting with departmental heads in the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the government had activated robust preparedness measures to prevent the virus from crossing into Kenya.
“Kenya remains at high risk because of its strategic position and connectivity within the region, but we have not recorded any Ebola cases in the country. Our focus is on vigilance, preparedness, and rapid response,” she said.
The PS revealed that healthcare workers are undergoing sensitisation exercises twice every week to enhance detection and response capacity. More than 300 healthcare officers have been placed on standby as part of surge response teams deployed across 25 counties classified as either high-risk or very high-risk.
Kenya has also strengthened surveillance at all entry points, including airports and border crossings. According to the Ministry, approximately 3,000 travellers are screened daily as part of ongoing efforts to identify potential cases early.
Laboratory testing has also been scaled up. As of June 13, health authorities had tested 91 suspected Ebola samples, all of which returned negative results.
The ongoing outbreak in Uganda and the DRC has raised concern among regional health officials, particularly because 22 of the confirmed cases involve healthcare workers, highlighting the heightened occupational risks faced by frontline medical personnel.
Beyond Ebola, the Ministry has expressed concern over the continued spread of Mpox and Dengue fever in Kenya. Mpox has now been reported in 38 counties, with authorities confirming 1,000 cases and 19 deaths nationwide.
Dr. Stephen Muleshe, Director of Public Health and Sanitation, said the country’s disease surveillance system remains on high alert to detect and contain emerging public health threats before they escalate into major outbreaks.
Health officials are urging Kenyans to remain vigilant, observe hygiene measures, and promptly report any symptoms associated with Ebola, including fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding.
The heightened surveillance comes as East Africa continues to grapple with recurrent outbreaks of infectious diseases, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation, early detection, and strong public health systems.
The Ministry has assured the public that emergency response teams, isolation facilities, and laboratory networks remain operational and ready to respond should any suspected Ebola case be identified in the country.
