The Ministry of Health has clarified that the suspension of meetings, conferences and seminars held in hotels applies only to staff of the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, dismissing concerns that the directive amounts to a blanket ban on government gatherings.
In a public clarification, the department said the measure is an internal administrative arrangement intended to ensure technical officers remain available to support ongoing emergency response operations following the imported Ebola case reported in Kenya.
The department said the decision prioritises emergency preparedness, contact tracing and response activities aimed at containing the virus and preventing further transmission.
It will also facilitate the implementation of established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing the prevention, preparedness and management of Ebola and other highly contagious infectious diseases.
The clarification comes amid heightened public concern over the country's response to the Ebola threat and reports of restrictions on meetings held in hotels.
The State Department emphasised that the measure should not be interpreted as a blanket suspension of government meetings, conferences or seminars in hotels, noting that the administrative directive is limited to its own staff.
The arrangement is intended to ensure that personnel with technical expertise remain available for critical public health duties as authorities strengthen preparedness and response measures.
Contact tracing, surveillance and emergency coordination are key components of efforts to limit the spread of Ebola, particularly where suspected or confirmed cases may have exposed other people to the virus.
The clarification provides a distinction between an internal staffing measure within the health department and a nationwide restriction on government activities.
The department did not indicate in the statement whether the measure would be extended to other government departments or specify how long the internal suspension would remain in force.
The clarification comes as health authorities continue to urge Kenyans to remain vigilant and observe recommended public health precautions while emergency response operations are maintained.
