NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has stepped up its preparedness for a potential Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak through a nationwide Rapid Response Team (RRT) training programme aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to public health emergencies.
The four-day Training of Trainers workshop, organised by the Ministry of Health, brings together multidisciplinary experts from national and county governments, health institutions, and development partners to enhance coordination and outbreak response capacity.
Speaking during the opening of the training in Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said preparedness remains a critical component of Kenya’s national health security strategy, particularly given the country’s position as a regional hub for trade, travel and transportation.
“Preparedness remains a critical pillar of national health security,” Duale said, noting that Kenya remains vulnerable to the importation of infectious diseases due to its extensive regional and international connectivity.
Building National and County Response Capacity
The training is designed to strengthen Kenya’s surge capacity by equipping health personnel with the skills required to respond rapidly to disease outbreaks.
Duale said the programme would facilitate the transfer of critical knowledge and expertise to counties and sub-counties, improving readiness at all levels of the health system.
He commended members of Kenya’s Rapid Response Team, including experts who participated in efforts to combat the West African Ebola outbreak between 2014 and 2016, for their contribution to global health security.
The CS urged participants to share lessons learned from previous outbreaks to strengthen infection prevention, surveillance, emergency response and outbreak management systems.
Regional Outbreaks Demand Vigilance
Duale warned that recurring disease outbreaks in the region highlight the need for sustained vigilance and stronger surveillance systems.
He said ongoing Ebola concerns within the region underscore the importance of maintaining coordinated preparedness measures across the health sector.
The Health CS emphasized that Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures remain central to effective outbreak response, urging healthcare workers to consistently adhere to standard precautions when delivering care.
“Experiences from recent outbreaks in the region have demonstrated the importance of strong IPC systems in preventing transmission within health facilities,” he said.
Kenya Receives Recognition for Preparedness
Duale welcomed a recent assessment by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, which reportedly rated Kenya highly in pandemic preparedness and response.
He attributed the recognition to sustained government investment in health security systems and coordinated emergency preparedness efforts.
The CS also praised Kenya’s healthcare workforce for its role in strengthening public health systems and advancing Universal Health Coverage.
“Healthcare workers remain the backbone of the country’s emergency preparedness and response efforts,” he said.
Government Defends Preparedness Investments
Duale called on Kenyans to support government initiatives aimed at strengthening outbreak preparedness, including the establishment of quarantine and isolation facilities.
He described such investments as essential long-term measures to safeguard public health and enhance national resilience against future disease outbreaks.
The training was attended by Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, and Acting Director-General of the Kenya National Public Health Institute, Dr. Maureen Kamene.
