Kenya will conduct a four-day nationwide Ebola preparedness exercise later this month as health authorities intensify efforts to strengthen the country’s ability to detect, contain and respond to a potential outbreak.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that the national simulation exercise will take place from June 15 to 18, bringing together health workers, laboratories, emergency responders and county governments in a coordinated test of the country’s public health response framework.
The exercise comes amid heightened disease surveillance across East Africa, with governments in the region increasing preparedness measures against Ebola and other emerging infectious diseases.
“A national tabletop exercise is scheduled for June 15 to 18, 2026, to test coordination, referral, laboratory and response systems,” Duale told Parliament.
Testing Kenya’s Emergency Response Capacity
The Ministry of Health said the drill will evaluate critical aspects of outbreak management, including case detection, laboratory testing, referral systems, contact tracing, emergency coordination and rapid response deployment.
Health officials believe regular simulation exercises are essential in identifying gaps in preparedness before an actual public health emergency occurs.
Kenya’s strategic position as a regional transport, trade and travel hub places it at heightened risk of cross-border disease transmission, making preparedness a key pillar of national health security.
Government Identifies 241 Specialist Responders
As part of its preparedness strategy, the government has assembled a specialized surge workforce of 241 public health experts who can be deployed rapidly in the event of a suspected Ebola outbreak.
According to Duale, the response team comprises 51 graduates of the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, 118 professionals from the African Volunteer Health Corps and 72 specialists trained in Basic Public Health Emergency Management.
“These teams are on standby for deployment to support surveillance, contact tracing, case investigation, laboratory diagnosis and field response,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
The specialists are expected to play a critical role in outbreak investigations, laboratory diagnostics, disease surveillance and coordination of field operations should a confirmed case emerge.
More Than 1,000 Health Workers Trained
Beyond the specialist response teams, the Ministry of Health has expanded training programmes targeting frontline healthcare workers across both national and county health systems.
Duale revealed that 1,069 healthcare workers have already undergone sensitisation and preparedness training through virtual learning programmes.
The sessions have focused on Ebola detection, infection prevention and control, case management, disease surveillance and reporting protocols.
Health authorities say strengthening the capacity of frontline workers remains one of the most effective ways of ensuring early detection and rapid containment of potential outbreaks.
Border Counties Receive Special Attention
The government has also intensified preparedness efforts in counties considered vulnerable because of their proximity to international borders and major transport corridors.
Busia County, which shares a busy border with Uganda, has already conducted targeted training and simulation exercises involving healthcare workers and emergency response personnel.
“On-site training and simulation drills have been undertaken in Busia, where 60 health workers have been trained, and additional exercises are ongoing or planned for Turkana and Trans Nzoia,” Duale said.
The ministry believes such exercises are critical in strengthening surveillance and response mechanisms in areas that could serve as entry points for infectious diseases.
Focus on Prevention and Preparedness
Health experts note that while Kenya has not reported an Ebola outbreak, maintaining a high level of preparedness remains essential given the country’s extensive regional connections and movement of people across borders.
The Ministry of Health says investments in surveillance systems, healthcare worker training, laboratory capacity and emergency response coordination are aimed at ensuring the country can respond swiftly and effectively should a public health threat emerge.
Officials have urged Kenyans to remain informed, follow public health advisories and report suspected cases promptly as the country continues strengthening its disease preparedness framework.
The June simulation exercise is expected to provide a comprehensive assessment of Kenya’s readiness while reinforcing coordination between national government agencies, county health departments and emergency response teams.
