Kenya on high alert... No confirmed Ebola cases despite escalating regional risks

Written by Omnia Hassan

The Kenyan Ministry of Health confirmed that the country has not recorded any confirmed cases of the virus.  Ebola So far, despite raising the level of alert and strengthening preparedness measures in light of the outbreak of the disease in a number of neighboring countries in East and Central Africa.

During a media briefing held in the capital, Nairobi, to discuss the country's readiness to confront the Ebola virus, Kenyan Health Minister Aden Duale stressed that the government is closely monitoring regional health developments, especially given the active movement of people and goods across borders, which calls for the highest levels of vigilance and preparedness.

Strict preventive measures

Douali explained that health authorities have intensified epidemiological surveillance systems, contact tracing, and screening operations at border crossings, in addition to enhancing laboratory readiness, training health personnel, and establishing isolation and treatment centers to increase the ability to respond quickly to any suspected case.

The minister stressed that the establishment of quarantine facilities, including what was raised regarding the equipment in Laikipia County, does not mean that there is an outbreak of the disease within the country, explaining that these steps come within the usual precautionary measures to confront any potential health emergency.

Beware of rumors and misinformation

Douali called on the media to exercise professional responsibility when addressing health issues, warning that publishing inaccurate information could lead to panic, social stigma, and confusion among citizens.

He noted that the ministry will continue to issue periodic updates through its official channels to ensure transparency and provide reliable information to the public.

Vigilance at the provincial level

For her part, Undersecretary of Health for Public Health Mary Muthoni stressed that health emergencies test the readiness of countries and the unity of their institutions, calling on all concerned parties to take proactive action instead of waiting until a crisis occurs.

She noted that the Ebola virus continues to pose a serious threat to the African continent, pointing to recent outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. She added that Kenya has strengthened monitoring and screening measures at all airports, seaports, and land border crossings.

Alarming figures in the region

According to the published health data, the number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo reached 635 as of June 11, 2026, including 127 deaths, while Uganda recorded 19 cases and two deaths.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has also reclassified 10 African countries as high-risk, including Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Angola, and Zambia, reflecting the continued regional threat and the need to maintain the highest levels of health preparedness.