The Kenyan government has expressed concern over travel restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia in response to the country's recent Ebola outbreak. According to the Ministry of Health, these measures are excessive and not supported by Kenya's current epidemiological situation. The outbreak, which was reported in October 2026, has been contained within a single cluster linked to an imported index case.
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that all 135 contacts associated with the index case have been identified and traced. Out of these, 118 have been placed under quarantine, while 66 contacts have since been released from quarantine, including 20 released earlier. The government has reported eight confirmed cases, comprising four healthcare workers and four close family members, with two deaths recorded so far.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stated that Kenya has not reported a new Ebola case since October 19, 2026. The seven remaining patients are recovering under care, with five having tested negative for Ebola following treatment. They are awaiting a second test scheduled for November 2, 2026. Duale expressed optimism that these patients would be discharged on November 3, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs will continue engaging Saudi Arabia on the travel restrictions. The Kenyan government is calling on the international community to support its response through collaboration rather than condemnation, travel restrictions, or isolation. Duale thanked Kenyans for their solidarity, saying the country has demonstrated leadership and transparency in managing the outbreak.
Saudi Arabia had announced a suspension of travel by its citizens to Kenya, halting the issuance of all visa categories to travellers from the country. The Kingdom has also barred entry into the country for people arriving from Kenya, including those transiting through other countries. This move has been criticized by the Kenyan government as excessive.
The Kenyan government has recorded two deaths from the Ebola outbreak, with the index case being one of them. The government has appealed for support from the international community to help manage the outbreak. The Ministry of Health has assured the public that the situation is under control and that the country has made significant progress in containing the outbreak.
The government has expressed appreciation for the support received from Kenyans and the international community. Key stakeholders are working together to ensure that the outbreak is fully contained. The Ministry of Health will continue to provide updates on the situation, and the public is urged to remain calm and follow the guidelines provided by health authorities.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has contained the Ebola outbreak within a single cluster linked to an imported index case.
- Saudi Arabia's travel restrictions have been criticized by the Kenyan government as excessive and unsupported by the country's epidemiological situation.
- The Kenyan government is calling for collaboration and support from the international community to manage the outbreak.
