The Ministry of Health has criticised Saudi Arabia’s decision to impose travel restrictions against Kenya over the Ebola outbreak, describing the measures as excessive and unsupported by the country’s current epidemiological situation.
In a press release dated Saturday, October 31, 2026, the Ministry said it had noted with concern the measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, maintaining that Kenya’s Ebola response had contained the outbreak within a known cluster.
“We reiterate that the measures taken are not only excessive but not backed by the current epidemiological situation in the country,” the Ministry stated.
According to the Ministry, Kenya successfully traced all 135 contacts linked to the imported index case, representing 100 per cent of the identified contacts, while 118 individuals were placed under quarantine.
The Ministry further disclosed that all eight confirmed Ebola cases were directly linked to the index case, comprising four healthcare workers and four close family members.
It maintained that there had been no evidence of community transmission, adding that no new infections had been reported since October 19, 2026.Kenya has so far lost two patients, including the initial index case, while seven others remain under medical care.
The Ministry reported that the seven patients were responding well to treatment, with five having recorded their first negative Ebola test following completion of treatment.
The five patients are awaiting a second test scheduled for Monday, November 2, with the Ministry expressing optimism that they could be discharged on Tuesday, November 3, if they test negative again.
Additionally, 46 contacts who remain under quarantine are expected to be released alongside the recovering patients, having shown no symptoms of the disease.
This will be in addition to 20 contacts who had previously completed their quarantine period and been released.
The Ministry expressed confidence in Kenya’s containment efforts, saying the progress demonstrated that the country’s response was yielding positive result.
“This clearly demonstrates that our response is holding and will soon deliver spectacular results,” the statement read.
The statement comes after Saudi Arabia announced restrictions on travel to Kenya for its citizens and temporarily suspended the issuance of visas and entry for travellers arriving from the country as part of measures to prevent the spread of Ebola.
Kenya’s Ministry of Health now maintains that the restrictions do not reflect the progress made in containing the outbreak.
