Kenya has confirmed its first imported case of Ebola Virus Disease, with the government intensifying contact tracing, surveillance and preparedness measures across the country.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the case was confirmed two days ago after being detected through the country’s strengthened health surveillance systems.
The patient later died and was accorded a safe and dignified burial in line with public health protocols.
Duale, speaking during a briefing with ambassadors, diplomatic missions and international organisations, said the confirmation of the case does not indicate widespread transmission of Ebola in Kenya.
“Kenya remains safe, open and vigilant,” Duale said, adding that the government is treating the situation with urgency based on verified epidemiological information and established public health protocols.
The government has identified 57 contacts linked to the confirmed case, with those already traced placed under appropriate monitoring and quarantine as health teams continue efforts to locate the remaining contacts.
Kenya’s national Incident Management System has been active since May 2026, while enhanced surveillance is being conducted at national and county levels. Rapid response teams are currently operating in 27 counties, alongside the toll-free health emergency line 719.
The Ministry of Health says 4,971 health workers have so far been trained on Ebola preparedness and response. Screening is also ongoing at 15 points of entry, where more than 652,000 travellers have been screened cumulatively.
Surveillance teams have investigated 263 alerts from 17 counties, according to Duale.
Kenya has designated isolation, treatment and quarantine facilities at Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, National Police Service Hospital, Port Reitz Hospital and The Nairobi Hospital, with a combined capacity of 241 beds.
Additional facilities are being operationalised in Busia County and other priority areas where required.
The country’s laboratory network is also on standby, with five designated laboratories, including mobile laboratory capacity, supporting Ebola testing.
Duale said the national laboratory turnaround time is approximately six to 12 hours, with 268 samples tested so far and one confirmed positive case.
The government has also mobilised personal protective equipment for frontline health workers. The World Health Organization has provided 1,000 PPE sets, while the Government of India has donated 6,000 sets.
Duale urged international partners to continue supporting Kenya with field operations, logistics, medical commodities, surge capacity, community engagement, patient referrals and dedicated transport systems.
He also sought to reassure the international community that Kenya remains open for travel, tourism, trade and investment.
“I therefore urge the international community to base its decisions on verified epidemiological information, science and established international public health principles,” Duale said.
He cautioned against disproportionate travel and trade restrictions, saying they could cause significant social and economic disruption without necessarily providing additional public health protection.
The Health CS said Kenya’s response strategy remains focused on early detection, safe isolation, rapid testing, comprehensive contact tracing and decisive intervention.
“Kenya remains open. Kenya remains vigilant,” Duale said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a coordinated response to protect Kenyans and visitors to the country.
