The Ministry of Health has stepped up its preparations after an Ebola outbreak was reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
In a statement on 19th May 2026, Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, said that the country has not reported any Ebola cases linked to this outbreak so far.
Duale, however, noted that because Kenya is close to the affected areas and many people travel between the countries, the government has increased checks and readiness across the country.
The World Health Organization, WHO, declared the outbreak a major international health emergency on 16th May 2026.
“On clinical preparedness, the Ministry is mapping ambulance capacity in high-risk counties with support from the Kenya Red Cross Society and strengthening engagement with private hospitals to improve early detection, referral, and reporting systems,” said Duale
As of 18th May 2026, more than 336 suspected cases were reported in Congo (DRC), 87 people have died, including two in Uganda, and 13 cases have been confirmed by laboratory tests
The Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa CDC) has classified the outbreak as a Grade 3 – high-risk event because of cross-border movement, delayed detection, and lack of approved vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain.
Also Read: WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak a Global Emergency as Deadly Virus Spreads Across Borders
Measures Taken by the Government
The Ministry of Health, through the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), has activated an Incident Management System at national and county levels.
According to Duale, the government has also placed Public Health Emergency Centres on alert across the country, deployed rapid response teams on 24-hour standby, and increased coordination meetings with counties and partners
Screening at Entry Points
In addition, Kenya has strengthened surveillance at all entry points, including airports, seaports, and land borders.
More than 34,500 travelers have been screened, including 18,552 international travelers, 5,848 locals, 2,514 truck drivers, and others.
Authorities say no travelers have been placed under quarantine, but screening and monitoring continue in accordance with international health guidelines.
Additional Preparedness Measures
To boost readiness, including the deployment of an online passenger surveillance system and tracking movement in high-risk border areas.
The government has also enhanced airport surveillance through the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and increased the cooperation with Uganda, DRC, WHO, East African Community, and Africa CDC
Kenya has also enhanced laboratories across the country, including KEMRI Kisumu, KEMRI Nairobi, and the National Public Health Laboratory, which have been prepared to quickly test and confirm suspected cases.
Counties have been directed to maintain emergency sample transport systems for faster response.
Also Read: At Least 65 Dead as New Ebola Breaks Out in DRC
Clinical and Public Awareness
Duale said health officials are strengthening emergency response at the county level by mapping ambulance capacity in high-risk areas, working with the Kenya Red Cross and private hospitals to improve detection and reporting systems.
The government is focusing on public awareness to ensure people receive accurate information, with community health promoters, the media, and partners helping to share verified information and reduce misinformation.
Advice to the citizens
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to remain alert and follow safety guidelines, including, seeking information only from official Ministry of Health platforms, washing hands regularly with soap and clean water, and avoiding contact with sick persons or bodily fluids.
Duale also advised people to seek immediate medical attention if they develop these symptoms; fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding
Members of the public can access more information on Ebola Virus Disease and key public messages by dialing *719# or calling 719.
