The Ministry of Health has placed 25 counties on heightened Ebola alert as the country strengthens surveillance and preparedness measures following outbreaks reported in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said Kenya remains free of confirmed Ebola cases but continues to maintain a high level of vigilance to prevent any potential importation of the deadly disease.
Speaking at Afya House on Tuesday, Muthoni said the government has activated emergency response mechanisms across the country and intensified screening at all major entry points.
Nairobi, Mombasa Among Counties at Highest Risk
According to the Ministry of Health, 12 counties have been classified as “very high risk” due to their strategic locations, population density, and links to cross-border movement.
The counties are Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Kisumu, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Siaya, West Pokot, Turkana, Homa Bay and Migori.
An additional 13 counties have been categorised as high risk. They include Vihiga, Kakamega, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kilifi, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Isiolo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Garissa.
Health officials say the classification will help prioritize surveillance, preparedness and rapid response efforts in areas considered most vulnerable to possible transmission.
Enhanced Border Surveillance
The government has significantly strengthened screening and monitoring measures at all border points, airports and other entry routes into the country.
According to the ministry, more than 13,500 travellers were screened within the last 24 hours alone, bringing the cumulative number of screened arrivals to approximately 67,000.
Muthoni noted that over 1,000 healthcare workers have undergone specialised training on Ebola detection, case management and outbreak response.
“Surveillance and screening have been enhanced at all points of entry, while emergency operations centres in 26 counties have been activated and remain on standby,” she said.
Government Considers Additional Measures
As part of ongoing preparedness efforts, the Ministry of Health is considering mandatory 21-day quarantine requirements for travellers arriving from countries classified as high risk.
The government is also planning to intensify contact tracing and require travellers from affected countries to present certified exit screening documentation before entering Kenya.
Officials say the measures are intended to strengthen early detection systems and minimise the risk of cross-border transmission.
Regional Outbreak Raises Concern
The heightened alert follows growing concern over the Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
According to health authorities, the DRC has reported more than 1,000 suspected Ebola cases since the outbreak was declared in May, including hundreds of fatalities. Uganda has also recorded infections and deaths linked to the disease.
The Ministry of Health continues to monitor developments across the region and is coordinating with international partners to ensure Kenya remains prepared for any eventuality.
Government Assures Kenyans
President William Ruto has maintained that Kenya’s public health system is adequately prepared to respond to any potential Ebola threat.
The government recently announced the establishment and strengthening of isolation and quarantine facilities as part of a broader national disease preparedness strategy.
Health officials have urged Kenyans to remain calm, observe public health advisories, avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas and report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility.
The Ministry has reiterated that no Ebola case has been confirmed in Kenya and that preparedness measures are being implemented purely as a precaution to protect public health.
