The government has suspended all meetings, seminars and conferences scheduled to take place in hotels with immediate effect following the confirmation of Kenya’s first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease.
In an internal memo dated October 7, 2026, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni directed all heads of directorates, divisions and programmes to halt the meetings until further notice.
The directive follows the confirmation of an imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola on October 6, prompting the Ministry of Health to intensify emergency preparedness, contact tracing and response measures aimed at containing the outbreak and preventing further transmission.
According to the memo, any exception to the suspension must receive prior approval from the Office of the Principal Secretary.
Muthoni also directed all departments to operationalise established standard operating procedures for the prevention, preparedness and management of Ebola and other highly contagious infectious diseases.
The affected departments have further been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the directive and make technical officers available to support ongoing emergency response operations.
The suspension is intended to support the government's efforts to strengthen public health preparedness as health authorities work to contain the risk of further transmission.
Bundibugyo Ebola is a severe infectious disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, one of the viruses known to cause Ebola disease. The infection can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic, or with contaminated materials.
The confirmation of an imported case has heightened the need for vigilance, rapid identification of contacts and effective infection prevention measures.
The Ministry of Health is prioritising preparedness and response measures, including contact tracing, to help identify people who may have been exposed and prevent further spread.
The directive applies specifically to meetings, seminars and conferences scheduled to be held in hotels. It does not state that all hotel operations or every type of public gathering have been suspended.
The government has not indicated when the restrictions will be lifted, stating that they will remain in force until further notice.
The development places public health preparedness at the centre of government operations as authorities work to contain the imported case and minimise the risk of further transmission.
Members of the public are encouraged to follow official Ministry of Health guidance and seek information from authorised health officials as the response continues.
