Duale confirms all suspected Ebola cases reported in 9 counties tested negative
By Aloys Michael, June 4, 2026Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has confirmed that the country’s national surveillance system has probed 22 suspected Ebola alerts across nine counties, all of which have tested negative.
Duale said this in an interview on a local TV station on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, where he appeared to address Kenya’s Ebola preparedness and response measures.
The CS explained that the alerts were reported from Nairobi, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyamira, West Pokot, Kisumu and Bungoma counties.
“The national surveillance system has captured and investigated 22 suspected alerts from across the country. All of them have tested negative. These alerts were reported from Nairobi, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyamira, West Pokot, Kisumu and Bungoma,” he said.
Duale added that three of the alerts were reported in the last 24 hours and were also confirmed negative after investigation.
“In the last 24 hours, three alerts from Nairobi, Uasin Gishu and Bungoma were investigated, and they were confirmed negative,” Duale stated.
According to the Ministry of Health (MoH) boss, rapid response teams have been placed on standby for immediate deployment whenever alerts are reported.
Duale added that isolation centres are necessary to manage potential cases and support the screening of thousands of people crossing the borders daily, emphasising that the health of Kenyans would be prioritised at any facility located within the country.
“We must look at how to save a nation. We are more concerned about Americans coming, but we are not concerned about the thousands of Kenyans truck drivers who pass every day. Let us not politicise the health of our citizens,” he said.
He said the National Ebola Incident Management System was activated on May 20 to provide a unified central command and coordination framework.
The system operates alongside county public health emergency operation centres, all of which remain on high alert to respond quickly to any suspected cases.
Additionally, Duale said surveillance in health facilities and at points of entry has been increased, while advisories have been issued to all 47 counties.
Duale’s briefing comes amid heightened concern over Ebola outbreaks and the proposed United States quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, which has sparked protests and prompted intervention by the High Court.
He defended the facility, saying the government has a responsibility to mitigate Ebola through collaborations with international partners.