By GPC News Desk
Kenya has tightened Ebola screening at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), with travellers arriving from 10 African countries now required to use a designated entry gate.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the countries had been classified as higher-risk areas amid heightened vigilance following the confirmation of Kenya’s first Ebola case.
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The countries are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Angola, the Central African Republic, Zambia and Tanzania.
Speaking during a visit to JKIA on Wednesday afternoon to assess the country’s preparedness, Ms Muthoni said Gate 16 would now be used by passengers arriving from the 10 countries, where enhanced screening measures will be implemented.
The Government has also expanded health declaration requirements for travellers.
In addition to forms already completed by passengers entering Kenya, travellers leaving the country will now be required to complete forms providing a health status update before departure.
Ms Muthoni said passengers arriving in Kenya would be required to declare their verified health status and indicate whether they had received any treatment during the previous month.
She said the additional information would help health authorities identify potential cases early, particularly in light of the country’s first reported case, in which the patient had indicated that he had been unwell and was receiving medication.
The PS also urged Kenyans and visitors to reduce physical contact and revive precautions adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic, including avoiding handshakes and hugs where possible.
The measures come as Kenya steps up surveillance and contact tracing following the confirmation of the Ebola case.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has commended Kenya’s preparedness efforts and called for swift action to prevent further spread of the virus.
Authorities have continued to strengthen screening, surveillance and contact-tracing measures as health officials work to identify and isolate any suspected cases.
