Duale reveals how WHO has supported Kenya’s preparedness for Ebola
By Cynthia Lodite, June 3, 2026The Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has confirmed the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to Kenya in a bid to combat Ebola threat.
Duale confirmed WHO’s contribution on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, while appearing before the National Assembly Plenary, chaired by the Speaker, Moses Wetang’ula.
On his part, Duale confirmed the provision of at least 1000 Ebola PPE kits by the WHO, which, according to the Ministry, are strategically positioned in high-risk areas.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also supported preparedness efforts through the provision of 1,000 Ebola PPE kits strategically positioned in high-risk areas,” WHO stated.
At the same time, Duale has confirmed other regional and international partners, including the Africa CDC, IGAD, the East African Community (EAC) and the United States CDC.
“Kenya continues to collaborate closely with regional and international partners, including WHO, Africa CDC, IGAD, the East African Community (EAC) and the United States CDC, to strengthen surveillance, laboratory capacity, training and emergency response,” he added.
While Kenya remains Ebola-free, Duale stated that the Government has significantly strengthened preparedness measures to safeguard public health.
Through the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), the Ministry of Health has activated the National Ebola Incident Management System to coordinate surveillance, preparedness and response activities nationwide.
Ebola surveillance
According to Duale, enhanced surveillance is ongoing across health facilities, communities and points of entry, with more than 71,000 travellers screened and all 22 suspected Ebola alerts reported in the country testing negative.
In addition, the CS noted that Public health advisories have been issued to all 47 counties to strengthen case detection, infection prevention and control, isolation procedures, contact tracing and sample referral systems.
Further adding that Public awareness campaigns and the 719 hotline continue to support risk communication and counter misinformation.
On the other hand, to strengthen health facility readiness, Kenyatta National Hospital has established an eight-bed Ebola isolation and treatment unit, while the National Police Service Hospital has prepared additional surge capacity.
Meanwhile, twenty-nine counties have also identified isolation and treatment facilities that are undergoing verification.
“In addition, plans are underway to establish an Ebola Treatment and Isolation Unit at Laikipia Air Base as part of a network of 23 such facilities across the country, further enhancing national preparedness and specialised care capacity,” Duale stated.
Similarly, Duale has noted that a reserve force of 241 expert responders has been identified, with over 1,000 healthcare workers trained and four laboratories designated for Ebola testing in Nairobi, Kisumu and Busia.