President William Ruto has directed the National Security Council Committee to assess Kenya’s Ebola situation and recommend additional measures after an imported case of the disease resulted in a death. The government has since stepped up surveillance, contact tracing, testing and preparedness measures as health officials work to prevent further transmission.
Highlights
- Eight family members of the deceased are under quarantine and daily monitoring.
- Twenty-one healthcare workers who attended to the patient are also being monitored.
- Twenty-seven passengers linked to the patient’s flight have been identified and contacted.
- Kenya has screened more than 652,000 travellers and tested 267 samples.
- Nearly 5,000 healthcare workers have received Ebola preparedness training.
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Ruto Orders Enhanced National Response
President William Ruto has directed the National Security Council Committee to review the situation following the confirmation and subsequent death of a patient who had an imported Ebola infection.
The directive has prompted the government to strengthen measures aimed at detecting possible cases early, tracing people who may have been exposed and limiting any potential spread.
Authorities have urged Kenyans to remain calm while continuing to observe recommended health precautions.
Family Members and Health Workers Under Monitoring
Contact tracing is already underway, with eight members of the deceased patient’s family placed under quarantine.
The relatives are being monitored daily for any signs of illness.
Twenty-one healthcare workers who attended to the patient have also been placed under quarantine as a precaution and are being closely monitored for symptoms.
Health officials have additionally expanded contact tracing to people who may have travelled alongside the deceased.
So far, 27 passengers who may have come into contact with the patient have been identified and reached by health authorities, with appropriate public health measures being put in place.
Kenya Has Screened More Than 650,000 Travellers
The government says Kenya has continued to rely on surveillance systems established as part of its preparedness efforts since the Ebola outbreak began in May 2026.
By October 6, authorities had screened 652,584 travellers and tested 267 samples at five laboratories.
These include the National Virology Reference Laboratory, KEMRI facilities in Nairobi and Kisumu, as well as mobile laboratories stationed at the Busia and Lwakhakha border points.
According to the government, only one of the 267 samples has tested positive — that of the deceased patient.
No additional positive cases had been detected as of October 6.
Nearly 5,000 Health Workers Trained
Kenya has also expanded its preparedness capacity, with 4,971 healthcare workers trained at both national and county levels on Ebola prevention, detection and management.
The government says rapid response and surveillance teams are currently operating on the ground and that the country has systems to identify, isolate and manage suspected cases.
Several hospitals have also been designated to handle Ebola patients.
These include Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, National Police Hospital and The Nairobi Hospital, alongside isolation facilities in various counties.
The government says this capacity could be increased depending on how the situation develops.
Public Urged to Stay Vigilant
Authorities are asking Kenyans to maintain good hand hygiene and avoid unnecessary contact with anyone showing symptoms associated with Ebola.
Possible symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding.
Anyone experiencing such symptoms, particularly after possible exposure to a suspected or confirmed case, has been advised to minimise close contact with others and seek medical guidance from a recognised health facility immediately.
Members of the public have also been encouraged to alert health authorities if they suspect someone has been exposed to Ebola or is displaying symptoms associated with the disease.
The Ministry of Health is expected to issue additional guidance on precautions for individuals and institutions as the government continues monitoring the situation.
