The Government has assured diplomats, international organisations and development partners of Kenya’s readiness to contain an imported Ebola case, as authorities intensify surveillance, contact tracing and other public health response measures.
The assurance was given during a diplomatic briefing convened by the State Department for Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of Health and other government agencies to update international partners on the country’s preparedness and response.
Speaking during the briefing, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale said the confirmation of a single imported case did not, on its own, indicate widespread transmission, adding that the government’s response was guided by epidemiological data, scientific advice and established public health protocols.
Duale outlined measures being implemented to prevent further transmission and strengthen national preparedness, noting that the National Incident Management System had been active since May, with national and county emergency response structures on high alert.
“Surveillance has been intensified at health facilities, within communities and across 15 Points of Entry, where more than 652,000 travellers have been screened,” he said.
The CS reported that 4,971 health workers had been trained in Ebola preparedness and response, while contact tracing and response operations had been intensified following confirmation of the case under the direction of President William Ruto.
He added that 57 contacts, including passengers, crew members and other individuals linked to the aircraft, had been accounted for and placed under appropriate monitoring.
On treatment and laboratory preparedness, Duale said Kenya had designated isolation, treatment and quarantine facilities with a combined capacity of 241 beds.
He further disclosed that 268 samples had been tested through the country’s laboratory network, with results available within approximately six to 12 hours.
The government had also mobilised essential personal protective equipment and other response supplies with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Government of India, the United States Government, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and other partners.
Duale reaffirmed that Kenya remained open to travel, tourism, trade and investment, urging the international community to rely on verified epidemiological information and established public health guidance.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr Korir Sing’Oei assured diplomats that the government was working closely with WHO, Africa CDC and other international partners to implement measures aimed at preventing further transmission and protecting Kenyans, foreign nationals and members of the diplomatic community.
Sing’Oei said the State Department for Foreign Affairs, working with the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies, would continue providing the Diplomatic Corps with timely, accurate and authoritative updates through official communication channels.
He maintained that Kenya remained a safe and predictable environment for diplomatic engagement, international cooperation, trade and investment despite the ongoing response to the imported case.
“The Government will not allow fear, misinformation or speculation to undermine public confidence or Kenya’s strong international partnerships,” he said, urging diplomats to rely on official government communications.
The PS also thanked international partners for their solidarity and support, noting that continued cooperation was essential to strengthening national preparedness and response capacity.
The briefing brought together senior government officials and representatives of international organisations, including Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth and WHO Country Director Dr Neema Kimambo.
Others present were Kenya Airways Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Habil Waswani, Jambojet Board Chairperson Ayisi Makatiani, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya Dr Garry Conille, heads of diplomatic missions, members of the Diplomatic Corps, development partners and other leaders.
by Michael Omondi
