Mudavadi calls for strict health protocols amid regional Ebola scare

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi/FILE.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on Kenyans to observe the protocols issued by the Ministry of Health following the outbreak of Ebola virus disease in neighbouring countries.

Mudavadi said that, as Kenyans did during the COVID-19 pandemic, they should be vigilant to keep the country safe and free from the Ebola Virus.

He said, though no case has been sighted in Kenya so far, ignorance might land the nation into trouble and that all health protocols must be adhered to.

“We need to appreciate the health protocols that helped us save lives during the COVID-19 period. We are currently experiencing a dangerous strain of Ebola, and in our neighbouring countries, the disease has already taken many lives,” Mudavadi said.

“This strain looks like it cannot be treated anytime soon, and therefore, we need to be very keen on our hygiene and how we engage at the interpersonal level for us to protect one another.”

Ten African countries are at risk of being affected by the Ebola virus disease, in addition to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, the African Union's health agency warned on Saturday.

Kenya confirmed that all suspected Ebola cases detected through its enhanced surveillance system tested negative, even as the country intensifies border screening and emergency preparedness following a regional outbreak in neighbouring countries.

‎Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Friday, May 22, that the government has stepped up monitoring at all points of entry but reassured the public that no confirmed infections have been recorded.

‎“I wish to reassure Kenyans that as of 21st May 2026, Kenya has not reported any confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease,” Duale said.

‎He revealed that three individuals who had recently travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo and presented with symptoms similar to other illnesses were isolated, tested and cleared after laboratory analysis confirmed they were Ebola-negative.

‎“Three travellers were isolated and tested for Ebola Virus Disease, and all results returned negative. Four contacts who accompanied them were also tested and found negative,” he said.

‎The Ministry of Health noted that surveillance has been significantly scaled up at airports, land borders and other high-risk entry points, where thousands of travellers continue to be screened daily.

‎“As of 21 May 2026, a total of 42,447 travellers had been screened, including 2,965 within the last 24 hours alone,” the ministry said.

‎Authorities noted that Kenya is relying on risk-based screening rather than blanket quarantine measures, allowing the movement of travellers while maintaining strict monitoring protocols.

‎“We are not imposing a blanket quarantine for travellers or truck drivers. Instead, we are applying targeted screening and continuous monitoring in line with international health regulations,” Duale said.

‎The government has also activated national emergency systems, including the Incident Management System and Public Health Emergency Operations Centres, to coordinate preparedness efforts across counties and partner agencies.