President William Ruto has intensified Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts by convening diplomats and international agencies at State House, Nairobi, to coordinate regional and global response measures against the deadly virus threatening East and Central Africa.

Speaking on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the President said international cooperation remains critical as neighbouring countries continue battling Ebola outbreaks.

“International solidarity is vital, particularly in times of multiple crises,” Ruto said in a statement shared on his X account after chairing the high-level meeting.

The meeting brought together ambassadors and representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, France, Germany, China, Japan, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Türkiye, alongside officials from the United Nations Office at Nairobi and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office.

Kenya steps up surveillance and response systems

President Ruto said Kenya has heightened surveillance measures at 26 Points of Entry across the country, where more than 58,000 travellers have so far been screened. According to the government, all suspected Ebola cases tested negative.

The president also announced that 17 isolation centres have been identified countrywide as part of preparedness plans to manage potential cases.

To strengthen coordination, Ruto revealed the establishment of a National Response Committee to be led by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi.

The committee will oversee a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response strategy, including public awareness campaigns, laboratory strengthening, cross-border coordination and resource mobilisation.

The discussions also focused on supporting affected countries and strengthening frontline institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Government addresses concerns over foreign Ebola monitoring reports

The preparedness push comes amid debate following reports by The New York Times that the United States government is considering sending American citizens exposed to Ebola to Kenya for monitoring and treatment instead of repatriating them.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, in a statement issued on May 27, said Kenya’s cooperation with international partners would remain guided by Kenyan laws, biosafety standards and national interests. He said the country has continued investing in disease surveillance systems and emergency preparedness over the years.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has, however, demanded transparency over the reports, including claims that facilities at Laikipia Air Base could be used for monitoring exposed individuals.

KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Bhimji Atellah however, questioned the decision to select Kenya, calling for clear public communication from the government.

Regional health security focus

Despite the concerns raised, the government maintains that Kenya’s preparedness measures are aimed at protecting both national and regional health security.

Ruto said public health threats require coordinated international action and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to working with global partners while safeguarding citizens.

The latest measures come as Ebola outbreaks continue to pose risks in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, prompting countries in the region to strengthen surveillance and emergency response systems.