KUCO demands nationwide Ebola preparedness audit after Kenya’s first imported case

Nairobi, Kenya - The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has urged the government to conduct a thorough nationwide audit of Ebola preparedness in response to the country's first imported Bundibugyo Ebola case. The union highlighted concerns over border surveillance, health-worker protection, and staffing capacity in a call for an evidence-based assessment across all 47 counties and major ports of entry.

KUCO General Secretary and CEO George Gibore emphasized that preparedness is not merely a statement but involves adequate staffing, equipment, surveillance, protection, and functioning health facilities. The incident, involving a Kenyan who traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has raised questions about the country's surveillance and referral systems, prompting KUCO to demand a complete and consistent account from the Ministry of Health regarding the patient's movements, screening, transportation, contacts, and clinical management.

The union also linked Ebola preparedness to broader health workforce shortages in Kenya, urging county governments to resolve ongoing disputes among Clinical Officers to restore full clinical services. KUCO urged President William Ruto, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, the Council of Governors, and county governments to address these issues urgently, emphasizing the need for strengthened surveillance at airports and land borders, adequate protection for health workers, and regular public briefings on the outbreak response.