The Kenyan government has intensified surveillance at informal border crossings, truck-driver stopovers and other high-traffic areas as it strengthens preparedness against Ebola and other infectious diseases.
The enhanced measures are aimed at detecting and containing potential outbreaks beyond the country’s formal Points of Entry, with multi-agency teams deployed to support surveillance and public health monitoring.
The teams, comprising personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service and National Government Administration Officers, have undergone training to strengthen disease surveillance at informal border crossings and other high-volume locations.
Authorities have also stepped up screening at official Points of Entry, where travellers and conveyances are being screened while communities living along the borders are receiving information on public health measures.
In a statement, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration said the measures form part of Kenya’s ongoing preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), although no case has been confirmed in the country.
“No case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been reported in Kenya, with all the suspected cases tested so far returning negative results,” the statement reads.
The government has designated four laboratories to conduct Ebola testing. They include the National Public Health Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu and a mobile laboratory serving Busia and Bungoma counties.
Healthcare workers are also undergoing additional training as authorities continue with simulation exercises, stakeholder sensitisation and the operationalisation of isolation facilities as part of the country’s preparedness measures.
The heightened Ebola preparedness comes as Kenya continues to respond to other infectious disease threats, including Mpox, Dengue fever and Measles.
Mpox cases have been reported in 40 counties, with Mombasa, Nairobi and Busia recording the highest numbers.
Dengue fever cases have mainly been reported in Garissa and Wajir, where suspected deaths are under investigation. Meanwhile, Baringo, Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera and
