Nairobi:Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reassured diplomats and international organizations that Kenya remains a safe destination for travel, tourism, trade, and investment, despite confirming its first imported case of Ebola virus disease.
According to Kenya News Agency, Duale emphasized that the government has ramped up efforts in surveillance, contact tracing, and testing following the confirmation of the Ebola case two days ago. He stressed that this isolated imported case does not suggest widespread transmission within the country.
Health teams have so far identified 57 contacts, implementing monitoring and quarantine measures for those accounted for, while continuing to trace remaining contacts. The high-level meeting held by Duale with diplomats in Nairobi outlined Kenya’s preparedness and response strategies, highlighting the active role of the National Incident Management System since May 2026.
Kenya’s response includes enhanced surveillance by the National Rapid Response Team and County Rapid Response Teams across 27 counties, supported by a toll-free health line. Training has equipped 4,971 health workers for Ebola preparedness, with screening ongoing at 15 points of entry. Over 652,000 travelers have been screened, and 263 alerts investigated from 17 counties.
Designated isolation and treatment facilities offer a combined capacity of 241 beds, with additional facilities being readied in priority areas. Five laboratories, including mobile units, provide testing with a six to 12-hour turnaround. To date, 268 samples have been tested, confirming one positive case. The patient, a Kenyan citizen, has died, with burial conducted per health protocols.
Protecting frontline health workers is prioritized, with support from the World Health Organization and the Government of India in providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Duale called for coordinated support from international partners to bolster field operations and logistics.
He urged the international community to base responses on verified information to avoid unnecessary travel and trade restrictions, which could lead to significant disruptions. Duale encouraged continued airline operations, tourism, business activities, and trade investments, assuring ongoing dissemination of verified information to stakeholders.
Key attendees at the meeting included Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga, Mary Muthoni, and Korir Sing’Oei, along with WHO Country Director Dr. Neema Kimambo, Kenya Airways CEO Habil Waswani, and other prominent leaders and representatives.
