Kenya Assures Diplomatic Community as Ebola Response Intensifies
Kenya Assures Diplomatic Community as Ebola Response Intensifies
The Government of Kenya has assured the Diplomatic Corps, international organisations and development partners of its readiness to contain an imported Ebola case, as it intensifies surveillance, contact tracing and other response measures.
The assurance was given today during a diplomatic briefing convened by the State Department for Foreign Affairs, in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and relevant Government agencies, to provide partners with an update on Kenya’s preparedness and response.
Speaking at the briefing, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale said the single imported case does not, on its own, indicate widespread transmission, noting that Kenya’s response is guided by verified epidemiological data, scientific advice and established public health protocols.
CS Duale outlined the measures being undertaken by the Government to prevent further transmission and strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity.
He said the National Incident Management System has been active since May, with national and county emergency structures on high alert. Surveillance has been intensified at health facilities, within communities and across 15 Points of Entry, where more than 652,000 travellers have been screened.
CS Duale further reported that 4,971 health workers have been trained in Ebola preparedness and response, while contact tracing and response operations have been intensified following confirmation of the case, under the direction of H.E. President William Ruto.
He said 57 contacts, including passengers, crew and other persons linked to the aircraft, have been accounted for and placed under appropriate monitoring.
On treatment and laboratory preparedness, CS Duale said Kenya has designated isolation, treatment and quarantine facilities with a combined capacity of 241 beds. He added that 268 samples have been tested through the laboratory network, with results available within approximately 6–12 hours.
The CS also said the Government has mobilised essential personal protective equipment and other response supplies, with support from the World Health Organization, the Government of India, the United States Government, IGAD, Africa CDC and other partners.
The C.S reaffirmed that Kenya remains open for travel, tourism, trade and investment, and urged the international community to rely on verified epidemiological information and established public health guidance.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr Korir Sing’Oei assured the Diplomatic Corps that the Government is working closely with the World Health Organization, Africa CDC and other international partners to ensure that all necessary measures are undertaken to prevent further transmission and protect the health and safety of Kenyans, foreign nationals and the diplomatic community.
PS Sing’Oei said the State Department for Foreign Affairs, in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and other relevant Government agencies, will continue to keep the Diplomatic Corps fully informed through timely, accurate and authoritative communication channels.
He assured diplomats that Kenya remains a safe, secure and predictable environment for diplomatic engagement, international cooperation, trade and investment.
He underscored that the Government will not allow fear, misinformation or speculation to undermine public confidence or Kenya’s strong international partnerships, and encouraged members of the Diplomatic Corps to rely on official Government communications.
PS Sing’Oei also appreciated the solidarity and support already extended by international partners, noting that continued cooperation remains critical to strengthening Kenya’s preparedness and response.
The briefing was attended by Principal Secretaries Dr Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, WHO Country Director Dr Neema Kimambo, Kenya Airways Acting Group Managing Director and CEO Habil Waswani, Jambojet Board Chairperson Ayisi Makatiani, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya Dr Garry Conille, Heads of Missions, members of the Diplomatic Corps, development partners and other distinguished leaders.