Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, has led a high-level engagement with local administrators in Teso North Constituency ahead of an inspection tour of key points of entry at the Malaba border.

The PS paid a courtesy call on the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) for Teso North, Solomon Kitahi, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, where they discussed strategies aimed at strengthening border operations, enhancing security, and improving service delivery at one of Kenya’s busiest border crossings.

“The engagement highlighted the critical role of collaboration among government agencies and stakeholders in ensuring the effective management of border entry points while safeguarding public health and security,” Muthoni said.

According to the PS, the meeting focused on coordination mechanisms and preparedness measures necessary to ensure the efficient management of border entry points while maintaining high standards of public health and national security.

Ebola preparedness and response measures

During an inspection of the Malaba border point of entry, Muthoni said the Ministry of Health had intensified Ebola preparedness and response measures following reported cases in neighbouring Uganda.

She reaffirmed that Kenya remains free of Ebola virus disease, noting that all 59 suspected cases tested in the country have returned negative results.

The PS said the ministry has strengthened surveillance systems, enhanced laboratory testing capacity through laboratories in Nairobi and Kisumu, and scaled up public awareness campaigns to support early detection and prevention efforts.

“We also endeavour to have adequate quarantine facilities to ensure exposed individuals can be safely isolated and any suspected cases effectively managed,” she said.

A call to the public

Muthoni urged members of the public to maintain proper hygiene practices, avoid misinformation, and rely on verified updates from the Ministry of Health and official government communication channels.

The discussions come at a time when the government is strengthening surveillance and preparedness measures at border posts to enhance disease prevention, security monitoring, and service delivery.

Muthoni was accompanied by the Secretary of Administration, Adan Harakhe, the Director of Health Sector Coordination and Intergovernmental Relations, Omar, the Head of Port Health Services, Benjamin Murkomen, and the Head of Environmental Health, Naomi Mutie.

The delegation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger inter-agency cooperation in support of efficient, secure, and responsive border management systems.

The inspection of the Malaba Border Points of Entry is expected to assess operational readiness, public health safeguards, and coordination among agencies responsible for border management.