By Ongaga Ongaga
The Kenyan government has reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners, including the United States, in strengthening the country’s preparedness against the Ebola virus disease currently affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said Kenya would continue engaging friendly nations and development partners in efforts aimed at protecting public health, as long as such collaborations are conducted within the country’s legal framework.
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Speaking amid growing concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, which has reportedly claimed more than 100 lives, the PS dismissed criticism surrounding Kenya’s engagement with foreign partners, saying international cooperation was necessary in addressing global health threats.
“Kenya cannot work in isolation,” said Muthoni, adding that collaboration with other countries on matters such as isolation facilities and emergency response mechanisms was not new, noting that similar arrangements were adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PS revealed that the government has already activated the National Incident Management System and is working closely with county governments to strengthen surveillance and response measures across the country.
She further stated that surveillance has been heightened at all Kenyan borders, with travelers, especially those arriving from affected countries, undergoing enhanced screening procedures.
Muthoni confirmed that, as of yesterday, Kenya had not recorded any Ebola case.
However, she noted that the government had put in place strict quarantine, monitoring, and response measures to prevent any possible spread of the disease.
She also assured Kenyans that the country’s laboratories have the capacity to test Ebola samples within six to eight hours, significantly improving response time in the event of a suspected case.
The government has additionally mapped out high-risk areas and advised Kenyans to avoid unnecessary travel to affected regions as part of precautionary measures against the deadly virus.
