By Mandere Onyinkwa
Kenya has stepped up its Ebola preparedness measures, with the Ministry of Health prioritizing the establishment of fully operational quarantine centres in high-risk areas to prevent any potential outbreak.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the government is determined to ensure quarantine facilities are available across the country, particularly at key border points, to facilitate rapid response in the event of suspected or confirmed cases.
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“We must have quarantine centres operational at whatever cost,” Muthoni said.
“Anyone exposed to Ebola should be safely quarantined, while confirmed cases must be isolated and managed appropriately to prevent further transmission.”
The PS spoke during a spot-check visit to the Malaba border, one of Kenya’s busiest entry points and a major transit corridor linking the country with Uganda, where health authorities have heightened surveillance following reports of Ebola cases in the neighbouring country.
Officials have intensified screening of travellers and truck drivers entering Kenya through Malaba, with an estimated 300 trucks crossing the border daily.
The Ministry noted that the high volume of cross-border movement presents a significant public health risk that requires enhanced monitoring and vigilance.
As part of the preparedness strategy, border health teams have been equipped with thermal scanners, gloves, hand sanitizers, handwashing stations, disinfectants, waste disposal bins and other infection prevention supplies.
The government has also strengthened laboratory testing capacity through facilities in Nairobi and Kisumu to ensure rapid diagnosis and response to any suspected cases.
According to Muthoni, Kenya has so far investigated 59 suspected Ebola cases, all of which have tested negative.
“We have screened and investigated several suspected cases, and I want to assure Kenyans that all 59 samples tested have returned negative results,” she said.
“At the moment, Kenya remains free of Ebola, but we cannot lower our guard.”
To enhance public awareness, the Ministry is rolling out weekly sensitization sessions targeting truck drivers, cross-border traders and other travellers.
Authorities are also scaling up public education campaigns on Ebola prevention, symptoms and reporting procedures.
Muthoni urged members of the public to observe strict hygiene practices, noting that Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials.
“Frequent handwashing, proper sanitation and early reporting of symptoms remain critical in preventing the spread of Ebola,” she said.
She further called on hotels and accommodation facilities to regularly disinfect bedding, rooms and commonly touched surfaces to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
At the same time, the PS cautioned against the spread of misinformation and unverified reports about Ebola, emphasizing that the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation.
“We urge the public to rely only on information issued by the Ministry of Health and other authorized agencies,” she said. “There is no cause for panic, but there is every reason to remain vigilant.”
The government has pledged to continue strengthening surveillance, case management and public awareness initiatives, particularly in border regions, as part of efforts to keep the country safe from any potential Ebola outbreak.
