By Ongaga Ongaga
The Ministry of Health has intensified the country’s Ebola preparedness measures, including daily response meetings and enhanced surveillance at border points, even as Kenya remains free of any confirmed cases of the disease.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the ministry has constituted specialized subcommittees that are meeting daily to assess emerging risks and coordinate responses to the evolving Ebola threat.
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Speaking during a preparedness meeting at Afya House on Monday attended by heads of departments under public health, Muthoni said Kenya’s level of alertness had increased amid growing concerns over outbreaks in the region, with 10 neighboring countries now under close watch.
She said the government remains on high alert across the country’s 26 points of entry and will continue providing periodic updates on its preparedness efforts.
According to the ministry, 25 counties have been classified as either “very high risk” or “high risk” as part of measures to prevent the entry and spread of the deadly zoonotic disease.
Counties categorized as very high risk are Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Kisumu, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Siaya, West Pokot, Turkana, Homa Bay and Migori, many of which are located along Kenya’s borders.
Those classified as high risk include Vihiga, Kakamega, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kilifi, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Isiolo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Garissa.
The ministry reported that 13,548 travelers were screened at points of entry in the last 24 hours alone, bringing the cumulative number of screened travelers to about 67,000.
As part of additional containment measures under consideration, the government is exploring the possibility of imposing a mandatory 21-day quarantine on travelers arriving from high-risk countries before they are allowed into the country.
Surveillance and screening operations have also been enhanced at all border crossings and airports. The ministry said more than 1,000 health officers have already been trained and are ready to respond should a case be detected.
The meeting also approved the formation of critical response teams with representation from county governments to strengthen preparedness at all levels. Emergency Operations Centers have so far been activated in 26 counties to coordinate response efforts.
Kenyans, including government officials, have been advised to avoid non-essential travel to affected countries as part of efforts to reduce the risk of importing infections.
The government has further committed to screening and tracing all persons entering the country through border points while collecting vital data to support surveillance and response efforts.
In a further tightening of entry requirements, Kenya will require travelers to present exit surveillance reports certified by authorities in their countries of origin. Detailed screening reports will also need to be shared with airlines and transport operators bringing passengers into the country.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has stepped up public awareness campaigns across various platforms and is urging Kenyans to observe basic hygiene measures and minimize unnecessary physical contact as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.
