The government has intensified Ebola preparedness measures across the country by establishing four laboratories to test suspected Ebola cases locally, following confirmed outbreaks in neighboring countries.
Speaking at Mururi Village in Gichugu Constituency, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said Kenya has significantly improved its disease surveillance and response systems, assuring wananchi that the country is now better prepared to handle any suspected Ebola cases compared to the Covid-19 period.
Muthoni said the Ministry of Health has established local Ebola testing capacity to ensure suspected samples are handled quickly within the country without delays associated with overseas testing.
“We have established testing capacity within the country so that suspected Ebola samples do not have to be sent outside Kenya for testing,” she said.
The PS revealed that the designated testing centres include the National Public Health Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu, as well as mobile laboratories deployed to support rapid testing and emergency response in high-risk areas.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, some samples had to be taken to South Africa, but currently we have adequate local capacity to conduct Ebola testing,” she added.
Muthoni noted that the government has stepped up preparedness measures by training healthcare workers across the country on Ebola detection, isolation, treatment, and infection prevention procedures.
The PS said more than 800 healthcare workers have already undergone specialised training to equip them with skills required to manage suspected Ebola cases in the event of an outbreak.
“We have trained healthcare workers across the country and ensured there is enough protective gear to respond effectively if cases are detected,” she said.
She further disclosed that county governments, especially those bordering countries affected by Ebola outbreaks, have been advised to establish isolation centres and emergency response systems to manage any suspected infections before they spread to communities.
Muthoni said the Ministry of Health is also working closely with immigration officers, security agencies, county governments, and other ministries to strengthen surveillance and screening measures at all entry points into the country.
The PS revealed that the government has so far screened more than 30,000 travelers entering Kenya through airports and border points as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
“Screening has been intensified at all our entry points and we continue to monitor travelers coming from affected countries,” she said.
At the same time, Muthoni assured Kenyans that all suspected Ebola samples tested so far in the country have turned negative, urging members of the public not to spread false information capable of causing unnecessary panic.
“We want to assure Kenyans that all suspected samples tested so far have turned out negative. Members of the public should avoid spreading fake news and unnecessary panic,” she said.
The PS further appealed to Kenyans travelling from countries affected by Ebola outbreaks to observe self-isolation measures and immediately report to the nearest health facility if they develop symptoms associated with the disease.
“We are appealing to travellers arriving from affected areas to practice self-isolation and report immediately if they experience any symptoms,” she said.
Muthoni also called on hoteliers and players in the hospitality industry to uphold high hygiene standards, particularly in accommodation facilities, saying cleanliness remains critical in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
“Cleanliness remains very important in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Hotels and accommodation facilities must maintain proper hygiene standards at all times,” she said.
The PS urged members of the public to continue observing proper hygiene practices such as regular hand washing, maintaining clean environments and seeking medical attention whenever they experience unusual symptoms.
