Ebola: This is how you do it, Duale

Kenya has identified 57 individuals as contacts linked to the first imported case of Ebola Virus Disease, with the government intensifying contact tracing and surveillance efforts. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale assured Kenyans and the international community that the country remains safe for travel and trade. Duale held a briefing with ambassadors and high commissioners in Nairobi to update them on the situation.

The patient, whose case was confirmed two days ago, has since passed away and was given a dignified burial. The government has established isolation, treatment, and quarantine facilities with a total capacity of 241 beds, and is mobilizing personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. Kenya has trained 4,971 health workers on Ebola preparedness and response, and has screened over 652,000 travelers at 15 entry points.

The national Incident Management System has been active since May 2026, and surveillance teams have investigated 263 alerts across 17 counties. Duale appealed to international partners to support the response and urged them to base decisions on verified epidemiological information. He emphasized that unnecessary restrictions could lead to significant social and economic disruption without providing additional public health protection.

Kenya remains open to tourism, trade, and investment, and Duale called on airlines, tourists, and businesses to continue their operations as the government continues intensified surveillance and contact tracing.