The Kenyan government has heightened its response to the Ebola virus, putting flights from 10 countries under its radar. This move comes after Kenya reported its first case and death on Tuesday, with the patient having traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that flights from DRC, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, Zambia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Central African Republic will be required to use a designated entry point at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Passengers on these flights will undergo mandatory health screening and fill declaration forms before being allowed through the airport. Duale emphasized that declaration forms must be filled with truthful information, warning that falsifying them would be considered a crime under the Public Health Act. The Ministry of Health is undertaking a high-contact tracing exercise, having identified 57 contacts and quarantined 10 persons in different facilities.
The government has designated several isolation and treatment centers, including the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the National Police Service Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and the US-funded quarantine centre at Laikipia Air Base, Nanyuki. Additional temporary holding centers are being set up near the nation's borders, such as the Malaba Health Centre, the Kocholia Sub-County Hospital, and the Alupe Sub-County Referral Hospital in Busia.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni stated that the country remains alert, with officers nationwide activated to ensure a timely response to any suspected case. The ministry is working closely with county governments and faith-based health facilities to prepare for a potential surge in cases.
Muthoni allayed fears about the spread of the virus, noting that Kenya does not have an outbreak but an imported case under management. The government is mobilizing funds to support its Ebola response efforts, with the National Treasury setting aside an initial Ksh.2.6 billion for emergency response.
The government has established a preliminary Ebola response mitigation fund of Ksh.2.6 billion to assist the Ministry of Health in preparing for and containing an Ebola outbreak. An additional Ksh.70 billion is being mobilized from international partners, including the US and the World Bank.
The Ministry of Health continues to work closely with various stakeholders to enhance its response to the Ebola virus, ensuring that the country is prepared to manage any potential cases. The government remains committed to containing the spread of the virus and protecting the health of its citizens.
Key points
- Kenya requires flights from 10 countries to use designated entry points at JKIA for Ebola screening.
- The government has identified 57 contacts and quarantined 10 persons in different facilities.
- Kenya has set aside Ksh.2.6 billion for emergency Ebola response and is mobilizing an additional Ksh.70 billion from international partners.
