Govt sets up JKIA gate 16 as dedicated entry for Ebola-risk arrivals
By Aloys Michael, May 30, 2026The government has designated Gate 16 at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as a dedicated entry point for passengers arriving from countries considered to be at high risk of Ebola transmission, as part of enhanced measures to prevent the virus from entering Kenya.
In a press briefing on Saturday, May 30, 2026, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced the move following an inspection tour of JKIA to assess the country’s preparedness against Ebola and other emerging public health threats.
According to the Ministry of Health, the decision comes amid concerns over Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Authorities have intensified surveillance across all six international arrivals gates, with Gate 16 now serving as the primary screening point for travellers arriving from affected regions.
“The border management team domiciled at the airport has increased surveillance at the six international arrivals gates, with Gate 16 now designated for passengers coming from high-risk countries,” Muthoni said.
To support the initiative, an isolation centre staffed by port health officials has been established at Gate 16 to enable rapid assessment and response in the event of a suspected Ebola case.
Additional isolation facilities have also been set up in other sections of the airport to manage travellers who may display symptoms linked to the disease.
During the visit, the PS reviewed passenger screening procedures, thermal scanning systems, laboratory readiness, aircraft and wastewater surveillance programmes, and emergency response coordination mechanisms.
The Ministry of Health said Kenya has not recorded any confirmed Ebola cases but remains on high alert through enhanced screening at points of entry, deployment of additional health personnel, expanded laboratory capacity, and strengthened surveillance across air, sea, and land borders.
As part of the heightened screening measures, all incoming travellers are required to complete online self-reporting forms detailing their travel history and health status.
Muthoni said the information will help identify potential risks early and strengthen monitoring of passengers arriving from affected countries.
The government has also adopted advanced disease surveillance measures, including genomic sequencing and wastewater testing of aircraft arriving at JKIA. Samples collected from domestic and international flights are being analysed at national laboratories to detect potential public health threats.
Muthoni called for greater collaboration among agencies operating at Kenya’s points of entry, noting that effective border health security depends on a coordinated multi-agency approach.
She also advised Kenyans to avoid non-essential travel to countries experiencing Ebola outbreaks until the situation is brought under control.