The Kenyan government has intensified measures to prevent the spread of Ebola following confirmation of an imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease, with health authorities strengthening contact tracing, traveller screening, laboratory testing, and medical preparedness across the country.
According to the Ministry of Health, the patient was a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The patient travelled by road to Kampala, Uganda, before flying to Nairobi on October 3, 2026. Laboratory tests confirmed the infection on October 5, and the patient subsequently died that night. Kenya officially reported the case to the World Health Organization (WHO) on October 6.
As of October 11, the Ministry of Health had identified and verified 122 contacts linked to the patient, with 108 placed under quarantine and daily monitoring. Authorities reported that none of the identified contacts had developed symptoms at the time of the update. A total of 293 samples had been tested from 289 alerts, while 667,675 travellers had been screened at 26 points of entry.
In a significant development on October 12, the government formally declared Bundibugyo Ebola a “formidable epidemic disease” under Section 35 of the Public Health Act. The declaration, published through Legal Notice No. 203, provides a legal framework for enforcing measures to prevent and control the disease, including screening, testing, contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine where necessary.
The government has also strengthened surveillance at high-risk points of entry to improve the early detection of suspected infections, particularly among travellers arriving from countries affected by the outbreak. These measures form part of broader efforts to prevent further transmission following the confirmation of Kenya’s first imported case.
To strengthen the country's testing capacity, health authorities have designated five laboratories to support Ebola testing, including facilities operated by the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), as well as mobile laboratories at the Busia and Lwakhakha border points. The government has also identified designated hospitals to isolate and manage suspected and confirmed cases. According to the Ministry of Health, 4,971 healthcare providers had received training in Ebola prevention and case management by October 7.
The World Health Organization has supported Kenya’s response by providing essential medical supplies valued at approximately US$70,000. The supplies include protective equipment and materials intended to support laboratory testing and protect frontline health workers from infection.
Speaking on behalf of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni emphasized the importance of protecting healthcare workers involved in the response.
“No health worker in this country should be asked to attend to a suspected Ebola case without the right protective equipment,” she said, according to the WHO's October 12 update.
Bundibugyo Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died, as well as contaminated materials. It does not ordinarily spread through the air like common respiratory infections. Early detection, prompt isolation, and strict infection-prevention measures are essential in limiting transmission.
The government has urged Kenyans to remain calm, follow official health guidance, and avoid spreading unverified information. People who believe they may have been exposed to the virus or develop concerning symptoms should seek medical attention promptly and inform healthcare providers of any relevant travel or contact history.
Although Kenya had reported one confirmed imported case in the updates available by October 12, the situation remains a public health concern because of the ongoing outbreak in the region. Continued contact tracing, effective screening, adequate protection for healthcare workers, and public cooperation will be essential in preventing further infections.
