Kenya Intensifies Ebola Preparedness as CS Duale Briefs Parliament
Nairobi, Kenya - - Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale assured Parliament that Kenya remains free of any confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case, while outlining measures being implemented to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity amid the ongoing regional threat.
Appearing before the National Assembly during a plenary session chaired by Speaker Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, the CS informed lawmakers that the Ministry of Health has activated the National Ebola Incident Management System to coordinate surveillance, response and decision-making across the country.
He noted that enhanced screening continues at airports and land border crossings, with more than 71,000 travellers screened so far. The Ministry has also investigated 22 Ebola alerts reported in different parts of the country, all of which tested negative.
To strengthen national readiness, over 1,000 healthcare workers have undergone specialised Ebola preparedness training, while a reserve team of 241 experts in epidemiology, laboratory services and emergency response remains on standby for rapid deployment. Isolation and treatment facilities have also been designated across the country, including at Kenyatta National Hospital and the National Police Service Hospital.
Hon. Duale further highlighted ongoing public awareness campaigns, strengthened laboratory capacity, and close collaboration with regional and international partners, including the World Health Organization, Africa CDC, IGAD and the East African Community.
The CS assured the House that surveillance systems remain active, laboratories are fully operational, and rapid response teams are on high alert to detect and contain any potential threat.
He called on the public to remain vigilant, seek information from official sources, and promptly report any suspected cases, noting that preparedness remains the country’s strongest defence against disease outbreaks.
Hon. Duale reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting public health through science-based interventions, coordinated preparedness efforts, and continuous vigilance against emerging health threats.