National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged residents living along the Kenya-Uganda border to observe health guidelines following confirmation of Kenya’s first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease.

Wetang’ula called for increased vigilance in border counties, including Bungoma, as health authorities intensified screening and surveillance to prevent further transmission.

The Ministry of Health confirmed on October 6, 2026, that a Kenyan man who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) tested positive for the virus. The patient travelled through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi on October 3 and later died.

Wetang’ula Calls for Vigilance in Border Counties

Speaking at Kimaeti Primary School in Bungoma County during a women’s empowerment drive, Wetang’ula said the county’s proximity to Uganda made public awareness and adherence to health guidelines important.

He urged residents to follow preventive measures issued by the Ministry of Health, while reassuring the public that there was no need for panic.

“There is no cause for worry over the spread of Ebola in Kenya but strict adherence to precautionary measures will help the country avoid devastating situations such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Wetang’ula said.

The World Health Organisation said the confirmed case had prompted public health response measures in Kenya and Uganda, including contact tracing.

Screening Intensified at Malaba Border

The Ministry of Health has stepped up screening at points of entry, including Malaba, as authorities work to identify suspected cases and limit potential transmission.

On October 7, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Kenya was not experiencing an Ebola outbreak despite the confirmed imported case.

According to the account provided, temporary isolation centres had been identified at Malaba and Kocholia, while Alupe was undergoing renovation.

Screening had also been intensified at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, particularly for travellers arriving from countries linked to the outbreak.

Wetang’ula called for truck drivers to receive particular attention during screening because of their frequent cross-border movements.

Lusaka Says County Is Working With National Government

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said the county government was working with the national government to strengthen disease surveillance and public awareness.

“We are aware of the risks the county faces because it borders Uganda. That is why our medical staff are working with those from the national government to screen people travelling into the country from Uganda while creating awareness about precautionary measures against the disease,” Lusaka said.

President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, also urged residents to exercise caution when interacting with truck drivers transporting goods from the DRC and Uganda.

He said residents, particularly women who interact with truck drivers, should take precautions to protect their health.

Ministry Issues Public Health Advice

The Ministry of Health has advised Kenyans to avoid close contact with sick people who may have been exposed to Ebola, practise good hand hygiene and seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms or suspect exposure.

Members of the public can call the Ministry’s toll-free health information line, 719, for guidance.

Authorities have also urged residents to rely on official health updates and follow instructions issued by public health officials.

Wetang’ula Announces Road and Electricity Funding

During the Bungoma event, Wetang’ula also announced that KSh7 billion had been factored into the budget for the expansion of the Malaba-Eldoret Highway into a dual carriageway.

He said the road would connect with the ongoing Rironi-Mau Summit-Eldoret highway project.

The Speaker further announced an additional KSh2.5 billion for the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project in Bungoma County, which aims to connect more households to the national electricity grid.

The announcements covered infrastructure development alongside the public health concerns raised during the event.