Kenya has screened more than 652,000 travellers at 15 points of entry as the country strengthens measures to prevent the spread of Ebola following the confirmation of an imported case.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said 268 samples have so far been tested through the country’s laboratory network as health officials step up surveillance.
The confirmed Ebola patient, who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), died on October 6, 2026.
Duale said 57 people linked to the case, including passengers, crew members and others connected to the flight, have been traced and placed under appropriate monitoring.
He said the government has intensified contact tracing and response operations following the confirmation of the case.
“The single imported case does not, on its own, indicate widespread transmission,” Duale said, assuring international partners that Kenya remains open and vigilant.
The CS spoke during a briefing with members of the Diplomatic Corps, international organisations and development partners on Kenya’s preparedness and response to the disease.
Duale said the National Incident Management System has been active since May, with both national and county emergency structures on alert.
Surveillance has been increased at health facilities, within communities and at the country’s 15 points of entry.
The government has also identified isolation, treatment and quarantine facilities with a combined capacity of 241 beds.
A total of 4,971 health workers have been trained on Ebola preparedness and response, while 268 samples have been processed through the laboratory network. The results are expected within about six to 12 hours.
Kenya has also mobilised personal protective equipment and other supplies with support from the World Health Organization, India, the United States, IGAD, Africa CDC and other partners.
Duale said Kenya was working closely with the DRC and Uganda as response teams continue with surveillance, contact tracing and other preparedness measures.
He assured travellers, tourists and investors that the country remains open, urging the public and international community to rely on verified health information and official guidance.
The briefing was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, development partners and representatives from the aviation sector.
