The Government has heightened its preparedness and response measures against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following reports of an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), even as authorities assured Kenyans that no case of the disease has been reported within the country’s borders.
Senior Ministry of Health officials on Tuesday briefed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at Harambee House Annex on the country’s readiness to prevent, detect and respond to any potential Ebola threat.
During the meeting, the Deputy President received a comprehensive update on Kenya’s Ebola preparedness and response status, alongside a progress report on the rollout of Taifa Care under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.
The Ministry of Health has already activated a series of preventive measures, including enhanced surveillance at border crossings and other points of entry, strengthened infection prevention and control protocols, mobilisation of healthcare workers, and deployment of essential medical supplies across the country.
According to the Ministry, 23 isolation and treatment centres have been established nationwide, while four specialised laboratories have been operationalised to support testing and diagnosis efforts.
The Government has also deployed sufficient medical personnel and supplies to facilitate surveillance, identification, testing, contact tracing and isolation of individuals considered at risk of exposure to the virus.
Addressing concerns over the outbreak in the neighbouring region, Deputy President Kindiki emphasized that Kenya remains Ebola-free and that extensive measures have been put in place to safeguard public health.
“The public has no reason to panic over the Ebola threat. All measures to ensure maximum precaution and preparedness are in place,” Kindiki said.
He noted that passengers entering the country through all entry points, including airports, land border crossings and seaports, are undergoing health screening as part of the country’s surveillance strategy.
“So far, there is no single case of Ebola that has been reported within the Kenyan borders and passengers coming into our space through all routes; air, land and sea are being screened,” he stated.
Kindiki further revealed that the existing 23 isolation centres will be supplemented by additional facilities as the Government continues to strengthen its emergency response capacity.
“There are 23 isolation centres countrywide already in place and more facilities will be established to keep the country and all its citizens safe,” he added.
Drawing lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Deputy President directed the Ministry of Health to provide regular public updates on the country’s preparedness status and educate citizens on preventive measures.
“Using the lessons learnt during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health is tasked with issuing periodic updates to the country on the state of affairs and outlining all the necessary precautionary measures,” Kindiki said.
He also cautioned against spreading misinformation or politicising the health threat, saying such actions could undermine public confidence and the efforts of frontline healthcare workers.
“Any person seeking to politicise or sensationalise the Ebola pandemic is engaging in an act of unpatriotic conduct and discrediting the work of health workers in handling the matter,” he said.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni reiterated the Government’s commitment to protecting Kenyans from emerging health threats.
She said the Ministry had briefed the Deputy President on a wide range of interventions already underway, including enhanced surveillance at points of entry, strengthened infection prevention and control systems, mobilisation of healthcare workers and supplies, and the operationalisation of isolation and treatment facilities.
“We also provided an update on the Taifa Care rollout. The Deputy President directed the Ministry to further strengthen preparedness efforts and ensure all operational and logistical requirements are in place,” Muthoni said.
She added that Kenya continues to work closely with global, regional and bilateral partners to mobilise the necessary financial, technical and human resources required to effectively manage any potential outbreak.
“The Government remains vigilant and fully committed to safeguarding public health and protecting Kenyans from emerging health threats,” she said.
The briefing was led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni and other senior Ministry of Health officials.
As the threat of Ebola remains a concern within the region, health authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm, observe recommended health precautions and seek immediate medical attention if they experience unusual symptoms associated with infectious diseases.
The Government has assured citizens that it is fully prepared and continuously monitoring the situation to ensure Kenya remains protected from the deadly virus.
