National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged residents living along the Kenya-Uganda border to observe Ebola prevention measures, citing the risk of cross-border transmission and the need for increased vigilance.
Wetang’ula spoke at Kimaeti Primary School in Bungoma County during a women’s empowerment drive, where he said the Ministry of Health had intensified screening at border points in counties neighbouring Uganda as part of efforts to prevent the disease from spreading into the country.
“There is no cause for worry over the spread of Ebola in Kenya but strict adherence to precautionary measures will help the country avoid devastating situations such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Wetang’ula further noted that the county’s proximity to Uganda required heightened vigilance.
“The Ministry of Health is on high alert and has intensified the screening of people travelling to Kenya from Uganda as a measure aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola,” he said.
He added that similar measures were being implemented at other border points across the country.
The Speaker also called for truck drivers to be prioritised in the screening exercise, citing their frequent cross-border movements.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said the county government was working with the national government to strengthen surveillance and raise public awareness about Ebola prevention.
“We are aware of the risks the county faces because it borders Uganda. That is why our medical staff are working with those from the national government to screen people travelling into the country from Uganda while creating awareness about precautionary measures against the disease,” Lusaka said.
President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, urged residents to minimise unnecessary contact with truck drivers transporting goods from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
“I am aware that our people, especially women, interact with truck drivers. For the sake of their health and to help curb the spread of Ebola, I urge them to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary contact,” Kibet said.
Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease on October 6, involving a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the DRC before travelling through Uganda to Nairobi. The patient died after being admitted to Nairobi Hospital.
The Ministry of Health reported on October 7 that 57 contacts had been identified, with efforts to trace and monitor them ongoing. The government also intensified surveillance and preparedness measures following confirmation of the case.
On development, Wetang’ula announced that KSh7 billion had been factored into the budget for the expansion of the Malaba–Eldoret Highway into a dual carriageway and its linkage to the ongoing Rironi–Mau Summit–Eldoret highway project.
He also announced an additional KSh2.5 billion allocation to the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project in Bungoma County, aimed at connecting more households to the national grid.
The proposed highway expansion and electricity connections are expected to support economic activity in Bungoma by improving transport links and extending access to power for households and businesses.
