The government has stepped up the measures it takes to prepare for a public health emergency by setting up 23 Ebola isolation and treatment centres in the country, despite rising concerns about the risk of the lethal disease in the region.

In a statement on their social media handles on Sunday, June 14, 2026, the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed that the measures were revealed by the Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, who visited Garissa County Referral Hospital. The CS noted that one of the critical preparedness measures is the setting up of a separate Ebola isolation unit in Garissa County Referral Hospital.

The centre is made up of a 20-bed quarantine and treatment facility for confirmed cases and another 10-bed facility for suspected cases among the 23 specialised quarantine and treatment centres that have been developed through collaboration between the national and county governments.

“The Cabinet Secretary also inspected the hospital’s Ebola preparedness infrastructure, including a dedicated isolation facility comprising a 20-bed unit for confirmed cases and a separate 10-bed unit for suspected cases. The facility is among 23 isolation and treatment centres established through collaboration between the national and county governments to strengthen preparedness and response capacity for public health emergencies,” the MOH statement read in part.

The ministry has noted that, despite Kenya having no confirmed case of Ebola, the government is on high alert, the CS said, adding that significant investments have been made to build the country’s surveillance, isolation, and management systems. The government has also implemented a nationwide training programme for healthcare workers. The Ministry of Health has trained over 34,000 health workers in specialised training on disease surveillance, care, prevention and control of infections and emergency response.

Authorities have also conducted more than 100,000 checks of passengers as they enter the country. Four specialised laboratories have also been fitted and set up for the testing and diagnosis of Ebola if necessary.

“More than 34,000 healthcare workers have undergone specialised training on surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control, and emergency response. In addition, over 100,000 travellers have been screened at points of entry, while four specialised laboratories have been designated and equipped for Ebola testing and diagnosis,” the MOH statement added.

The Health Ministry said increased investments have been made in building up and strengthening disease surveillance systems, operationalising rapid response teams, infection prevention and control measures, and stockpiling critical medical supplies and personal protective equipment throughout the country.

The Cabinet Secretary further commissioned the newly refurbished 28-bed inpatient ward in Garissa County Referral Hospital during the visit. The modernised building is anticipated to significantly improve the quality of services provided, elevate the patient experience, and boost the facility’s capacity to meet the expanding healthcare needs in the area.

The investments are part of the government’s overall plan for the modernisation of the health system and the speeding up of the achievement of universal health coverage, especially in remote and unserved areas.

Uproar over Nanyuki quarantine facility

The government’s establishment of 23 Ebola isolation and treatment centres comes amid growing public resistance to quarantine facilities, particularly following the controversial Nanyuki Ebola facility project. The planned quarantine centre at Laikipia Air Base sparked fears among residents over public safety and allegations that Kenya was being used to host foreign Ebola-exposed individuals.

The concerns triggered weeks of protests in Nanyuki, with demonstrators demanding transparency and the cancellation of the project. Clashes between protesters and police turned deadly, leaving several people dead.

The unrest has intensified calls for public participation and safety assurances whenever the government establishes Ebola preparedness and quarantine facilities.