Kenya has stepped up its Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) preparedness measures as the government intensifies surveillance, screening and infection prevention efforts to guard against potential cross-border health threats.

The latest boost to the country’s preparedness came after the International Organization for Migration (IOM) donated a consignment of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) supplies to support operations at high-risk Points of Entry.

The supplies, handed over by IOM Acting Chief of Mission Faye Paath, include thermoguns, hand sanitisers, gloves, liquid soap, colour-coded waste bins, bleach, granular chlorine and disposable aprons.

The equipment will be used to strengthen infection prevention and control measures at airports, border crossings and other strategic entry points.

IOM donation boosts preparedness efforts

Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni Muriuki said the donation would strengthen ongoing efforts to enhance Kenya’s health security systems.

“We appreciate IOM for its continued partnership in strengthening Kenya’s health security and call for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to further bolster preparedness and response efforts,” she said on June 5, 2026.

The Ministry of Health has maintained heightened surveillance following Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of neighbouring countries, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to health officials, preparedness efforts have focused on strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, screening procedures at border points and rapid response mechanisms in the event of a suspected case.

The government has also continued training healthcare workers and enhancing emergency response coordination across counties considered to be at higher risk.

No confirmed Ebola case reported

Health authorities have reiterated that Kenya remains free of Ebola infections.

“We wish to assure Kenyans that the country remains Ebola-free, with surveillance and response systems fully operational to detect and respond swiftly to any potential public health threat,” Muthoni said.

As of June 4, 2026, the Ministry of Health reported that all 27 suspected Ebola samples collected across the country had tested negative.

The ministry also disclosed that more than 77,000 travellers arriving from affected countries had undergone screening at Kenya’s 26 designated Points of Entry, with no confirmed Ebola case detected.

Officials say continuous monitoring remains critical given the movement of people across regional borders and the need for early detection of any potential threat.

Government maintains vigilance

The Ministry of Health has continued to strengthen preparedness measures through laboratory readiness, community surveillance and infection prevention programmes.

Muthoni also addressed concerns surrounding proposed isolation and quarantine facilities, saying they are part of routine preparedness planning.

“We also wish to clarify that the proposed isolation and quarantine facilities are precautionary preparedness measures designed to protect Kenyans and strengthen our response capacity, not to import Ebola patients into the country,” she emphasised.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently announced additional support from the World Health Organisation, including the distribution of more than 1,000 Ebola Personal Protective Equipment kits to major referral hospitals and strategic border points.