Ministry of Health warns Kenya still at high risk of Ebola spread
By Valerian Khakayi, June 15, 2026The Ministry of Health has raised concern over Kenya’s continued vulnerability to Ebola virus disease, urging heightened vigilance across the country.
According to Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, Kenya remains at high risk of importing the prevailing Bundibugyo Ebola virus, which is currently affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, where 141 deaths have been reported so far.
Speaking during a weekly meeting with departmental heads in the Public Health Department on Monday, June 15, 2026, Muthoni noted that Kenya’s risk is largely driven by high population mobility between the country and its neighbours that have reported cases.
“As a department, as a ministry, and as people of Kenya, we must maintain absolute vigilance regarding Ebola virus disease and its strains,” Muthoni said.
“Kenya remains at high risk and on high alert for the Bundibugyo virus disease due to the extensive population mobility with the DRC and Uganda, which have reported 625 cases and 19 cases, respectively.”
She added that despite the regional outbreak, Kenya has not recorded any confirmed cases but remains on high alert due to cross-border movement.
“While Kenya currently has zero cases, our rapid response team must remain fully mobilised,” she added.
Ebola quarantine facilities
This comes as the government sets up 23 Ebola isolation and treatment centres in the country in preparation for a public health emergency.
In an official statement issued 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 MOH statement read in part.
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.”
“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.”