President William Ruto has directed the Kenyan government to strengthen its response to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following the confirmation of an imported case. The patient, who died shortly after arrival, was identified as having contracted the virus outside the country. Ruto has ordered the National Security Council Committee (NSCC) to assess the situation and recommend measures to protect the country. This move aims to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure public safety.
The government has intensified its national response, with health authorities expanding contact tracing, surveillance, testing, and preparedness measures across the country. Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale reassured the public that systems are in place to respond and urged Kenyans not to panic. Eight family members of the deceased have been placed under quarantine and are undergoing daily monitoring for symptoms associated with Ebola. Additionally, 21 healthcare workers who attended to the patient have also been quarantined and are being closely monitored.
Authorities have extended contact tracing beyond the immediate contacts to passengers who traveled on the same flight as the deceased when the patient entered Kenya. So far, 27 passengers who may have come into contact with the patient have been identified and contacted, with public health measures being undertaken as required. The deceased has already been safely buried in accordance with established public health protocols. This comprehensive approach aims to contain the spread of the virus and prevent further transmission.
The government has maintained surveillance and rapid-response systems since the Ebola outbreak began in May 2026. As of October 6, 2026, a total of 652,584 travelers had been screened at points of entry, while 267 samples had been tested in five laboratories. The testing has been carried out at the National Virology Reference Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu, as well as mobile laboratories deployed at the Busia and Lwakhakha border points. Only one sample returned positive, that of the deceased patient.
Kenya has expanded its preparedness capacity, with 4,971 healthcare workers trained at national and subnational levels on Ebola prevention, detection, and management. Surveillance and rapid-response teams remain deployed to support early detection, investigation, and response to suspected cases. The government has designated several facilities to manage Ebola patients, including Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, National Police Hospital, and The Nairobi Hospital.
The government has urged Kenyans to remain calm but vigilant as surveillance and contact tracing continue. Members of the public have been advised to maintain strict hand hygiene and avoid contact with people displaying symptoms associated with Ebola, including fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding. Anyone experiencing such symptoms, particularly after possible exposure to a suspected or confirmed case, has been advised to seek immediate guidance and care from a recognized health facility.
The Ministry of Health is expected to issue additional guidelines on preventive measures for individuals and institutions. For now, the government says it will continue monitoring the situation, strengthen response measures where necessary, and keep the public informed of further developments. Key facilities have been prepared to handle potential cases, and the government is working to expand capacity as necessary to ensure public safety and prevent the spread of the virus.
Key points
- President William Ruto has directed the government to strengthen Kenya's Ebola response following the confirmation of an imported case.
- The government has expanded contact tracing and surveillance measures, with 27 passengers identified and contacted after traveling on the same flight as the deceased.
- Kenya has trained 4,971 healthcare workers on Ebola prevention, detection, and management, and has designated several facilities to manage Ebola patients.
