Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has confirmed that Kenya has investigated 22 suspected Ebola alerts reported across nine counties, with all of them testing negative.
Speaking before Parliament on Wednesday, June 3, Duale assured lawmakers and the public that the country’s disease surveillance and response systems remain on high alert amid growing concerns over Ebola outbreaks in the region.
Nine Counties Reported Suspected Ebola Alerts
According to the Health CS, the suspected cases were reported in Nairobi, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyamira, West Pokot, Kisumu and Bungoma counties.
Duale said the National Surveillance System successfully tracked and investigated each alert, ruling out Ebola in every case.
“The national surveillance system has captured and investigated 22 suspected alerts from across the country. All of them have tested negative. These alerts were reported from Nairobi, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyamira, West Pokot, Kisumu and Bungoma,” he told Parliament.
The announcement is expected to ease public anxiety following increased attention on Ebola preparedness and response efforts in Kenya.
Three New Alerts Investigated Within 24 Hours
The CS further disclosed that three additional alerts were reported within the last 24 hours.
The suspected cases originated from Nairobi, Uasin Gishu and Bungoma counties and were immediately investigated by health authorities.
“In the last 24 hours, three alerts from Nairobi, Uasin Gishu and Bungoma were investigated and they were confirmed negative,” Duale stated.
The rapid investigations underscore the government’s efforts to ensure that any suspected outbreak is quickly detected and contained.
Government Activates National Ebola Response System
To strengthen preparedness, Duale revealed that the National Ebola Incident Management System was activated on May 20.
The system serves as the country’s central command structure for coordinating Ebola surveillance, preparedness and emergency response activities.
According to the CS, county public health emergency operation centres have also been placed on high alert and remain ready to respond to any suspected cases.
Rapid response teams have been stationed across the country and can be deployed immediately whenever alerts are detected.
Enhanced Surveillance at Borders and Health Facilities
The Ministry of Health has intensified surveillance efforts at health facilities and points of entry across the country.
Duale said advisories have already been issued to all 47 counties to ensure health officials remain vigilant and prepared to identify potential Ebola cases.
The increased monitoring comes as Kenya continues to handle significant cross-border movement, particularly through major transport corridors used by traders and truck drivers.
Health authorities have emphasised that early detection remains one of the most effective tools in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Duale Defends Proposed US-Linked Quarantine Facility
The CS also addressed growing controversy surrounding the proposed United States-supported quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base.
The proposal has sparked protests in some quarters and recently attracted the attention of the courts.
However, Duale defended the initiative, arguing that Kenya must work with international partners to strengthen disease prevention and response mechanisms.
He maintained that isolation facilities are necessary to manage potential Ebola cases and support screening efforts for individuals entering the country.
“Let Us Not Politicise Health Matters”
Duale urged Kenyans not to politicise public health interventions, saying the government’s primary responsibility is to protect lives.
“We must look at how to save a nation. We are more concerned about Americans coming but we are not concerned about the thousands of Kenyans, truck drivers, who pass every day. Let us not politicise the health of our citizens,” he said.
The CS stressed that the health and safety of Kenyans would remain the government’s top priority in any disease containment programme implemented within the country.
Conclusion
While concerns over Ebola preparedness continue to dominate public debate, the Ministry of Health says there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Kenya.
With 22 suspected alerts investigated and all testing negative, authorities maintain that surveillance systems remain effective and that rapid response teams are ready to act should any genuine threat emerge.
The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening disease monitoring, border screening and emergency preparedness as part of broader efforts to safeguard public health.