Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has declared Ebola, specifically the Bundibugyo virus disease, a formidable epidemic disease in Kenya, paving the way for strengthened measures to prevent and control its spread.
The declaration was made on October 12, 2026, under Legal Notice No. 203 pursuant to Section 35 of the Public Health Act.
Duale also issued Legal Notice No. 204 under Section 36 of the Act, establishing regulations to guide the country’s response, including screening, surveillance, reporting, quarantine and other disease control measures.
Under the new rules, the Kenya National Public Health Institute will serve as the lead national technical institution responsible for coordinating the response, establishing an Incident Management System and operating through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
The regulations also introduce screening requirements for people entering or leaving Kenya, including the submission of health declarations detailing travel history, symptoms and possible exposure to the virus.
Port health officers are authorised to isolate suspected or confirmed cases and refer them to designated health facilities for further assessment and management.
Individuals identified as contacts at points of entry may be separated, quarantined at designated facilities and monitored for 21 days.
Airlines, shipping companies and other transport operators are also required to report suspected Ebola cases or deaths occurring on board their vessels or vehicles before arrival or immediately upon reaching their destinations.
The rules further require anyone who becomes aware of a suspected Ebola case or death to notify health officers or administrative authorities without delay.
Health facilities and medical practitioners must similarly report suspected or confirmed cases and deaths immediately to facilitate a timely response and contact tracing.
Laboratory testing for the disease is restricted to the national reference laboratory or other designated laboratories under the regulations.
The new framework also establishes requirements for the safe and dignified handling, transportation and burial of bodies, including provisions governing repatriation.
In addition, the rules provide for public sensitisation, enforcement assistance and penalties for offences committed under the regulations.
The measures are intended to strengthen Kenya’s preparedness and response by setting out responsibilities for health institutions, transport operators, medical practitioners and members of the public.
The declaration and accompanying regulations establish the legal framework for managing the disease, including measures to detect suspected cases, monitor exposed individuals and limit potential transmission.
