Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has challenged measures taken by Saudi Arabia over the Ebola situation in Kenya, describing them as excessive and unsupported by the country’s current epidemiological situation.
In a press release dated October 31, 2026, Duale defended Kenya’s response to the outbreak, saying the government had traced all contacts linked to the imported index case and placed some under quarantine.
“We reiterate that the measures taken are not only excessive but not backed by the current epidemiological situation in the country,” he said.
Duale Gives Update on Ebola Cases in Kenya
According to the Ministry of Health, Kenya traced all 135 contacts linked to the index case, representing 100 per cent of the identified contacts. Of these, 118 were quarantined.
Duale stated that all eight confirmed cases were linked to the index case, involving four healthcare workers and four close family members.
He maintained that no transmission had been recorded outside the cluster and that the country had no evidence of community transmission.
“We have NOT had any transmission of the disease outside this cluster, and I reiterate we have NO evidence of community transmission. We have NOT reported any new case since 19th October 2026.”
The Health Cabinet Secretary also said Kenya had not reported any new Ebola case since October 19, 2026. He confirmed that the country had lost two patients, including the index case.
Five Ebola Patients Record First Negative Test
Duale said the seven patients remaining under care were progressing well, with five recording their first negative Ebola test after completing treatment.
Also Read: Kenya Blasts Saudi Arabia Over Travel Restrictions
The five patients were scheduled to undergo a second test on Monday, November 2, 2026. The Ministry expressed optimism that they would be discharged on Tuesday, November 3, alongside 46 contacts who had remained under quarantine without developing symptoms.
The 46 contacts would join 20 others previously released from quarantine.
Duale stated that the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs would continue engaging Saudi Arabia over the measures taken in response to the Ebola situation in Kenya.
“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs will continue to engage the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on this matter,” the health CS assured.
He called on the international community to support Kenya’s response through collaboration rather than condemnation, travel restrictions or isolation.
The Cabinet Secretary thanked Kenyans for their support during the outbreak and said the country’s response had shown leadership and transparency.
Also Read: Exposed: 274 Kenyan Workers Die in Saudi Arabia in Five Years
Saudi Arabia Suspends Travel to Kenya, Stops Visa Issuance
Saudi Arabia has suspended travel by its citizens to Kenya and stopped issuing visas to travellers arriving from the country as part of additional measures to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus.
The restrictions, announced on Friday, October 30, 2026, also bar entry to travellers coming directly from Kenya or through third countries if they had stayed in Kenya or another country experiencing an active Ebola outbreak within the 21 days before their arrival.
These new directives also apply to individuals transiting through other countries, meaning travellers cannot bypass the restrictions by using alternative routes after visiting an affected country.
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