NAIROBI, Kenya — The United Kingdom has updated its travel advisory for Kenya to reflect enhanced Ebola screening measures introduced by Kenyan authorities following the regional outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
In a notice issued by the UK Embassy in Kenya on Friday, the British government clarified that the update was limited to health screening requirements and did not amount to broader travel restrictions against Kenya.
“Travellers arriving in Kenya, particularly those coming from Uganda, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, may be subject to enhanced health screening measures due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak centred in the DRC,” the advisory stated.
The embassy added that the World Health Organization (WHO) had classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The updated advisory comes as Kenya ramps up preparedness efforts to prevent possible cross-border transmission following confirmed Ebola cases in neighbouring countries.
Earlier Friday, the Ministry of Health announced heightened national surveillance and emergency response measures after three suspected Ebola cases tested negative.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the government had activated emergency preparedness systems across the country, particularly in 22 counties classified as high-risk zones.
According to the ministry, Kenya has intensified screening at major entry points, strengthened laboratory testing capacity, and activated isolation facilities in referral hospitals and border areas.
A large-scale cross-border simulation exercise is also expected to take place in Busia next week to test Kenya’s operational readiness in the event of an outbreak.
The Ministry of Health said the response is being coordinated through the Kenya National Public Health Institute under a fully activated National Incident Management System.
Public sensitisation campaigns targeting healthcare workers, border communities, transport operators, and other vulnerable groups are also underway.
Duale said Kenya was working closely with international agencies, including the WHO, Africa CDC, UNICEF, AMREF, Kenya Red Cross, and the US CDC, to strengthen preparedness and response systems.
The latest UK advisory is likely to reassure travellers and tourism stakeholders after concerns emerged online over possible travel restrictions linked to the outbreak.
Kenya remains a key regional transport and tourism hub, with authorities keen to avoid panic while maintaining strict public health vigilance.
The WHO has continued to urge countries within the region to strengthen preparedness without imposing unnecessary restrictions on trade or travel.
