The Ministry of Health has confirmed that no Ebola case has been detected in Kenya after seven individuals who underwent testing under enhanced surveillance measures were found negative.
In a statement, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said three individuals with recent travel history from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) presented themselves at health facilities with symptoms, but they tested negative after they were isolated, assessed, and tested for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
According to the Ministry, four additional people who had been in contact with them were also identified, tested, and found negative.
“I wish to reassure all Kenyans that, as of 21st May 2026, Kenya has not reported any confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease. Through enhanced surveillance systems, three individuals with recent travel history from the DRC who presented to health facilities with unrelated illnesses were isolated, assessed, and tested for EVD, with all results returning negative. Four additional contacts who had accompanied them to hospital were also tested and found negative.”
Duale further noted that as part of precautionary measures, the government has intensified screening and surveillance at all points of entry, including airports and land border crossings.
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The CS said as of May 21, 2026, a cumulative 42,447 travellers had undergone screening, including 2,965 screened within the last 24 hours.
At the same time, the government clarified that there is currently no blanket quarantine for truck drivers or travellers entering the country. Instead, Kenya is implementing enhanced risk-based screening, traveller assessment, monitoring, and rapid response measures in line with International Health Regulations and WHO guidance.
The Ministry further stated that the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) has activated a robust multi-sectoral preparedness and response framework to coordinate national and county response efforts.
Measures already put in place include activation of the Incident Management System (IMS), activation of Public Health Emergency Operations Centres at national and county levels, and placement of rapid response teams on standby for immediate deployment.
The government is also coordinating closely with counties, WHO, Africa CDC, and regional partners to strengthen preparedness and response systems.
To boost laboratory and clinical preparedness, the Ministry designated four national laboratories for Ebola testing. These include the National Public Health Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu, and a mobile laboratory platform for rapid deployment where necessary.
Additionally, the Ministry identified 22 high-risk counties, placed 118 rapid response personnel on standby, and sensitised more than 880 national and county healthcare workers on Ebola preparedness and response.
The statement added that isolation and treatment facilities had already been identified and equipped with personal protective equipment and other essential response supplies. Standard Operating Procedures for border, hospital, and community response mechanisms have also been finalised and disseminated.
The Ministry urged Kenyans to remain calm but vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms associated with Ebola, especially after recent travel to affected areas in eastern and north-eastern DRC and areas bordering western Uganda.
Some of the symptoms highlighted include fever, severe weakness or fatigue, headache and muscle pain, vomiting or diarrhoea, stomach pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising in severe cases.
Kenyans were also advised to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, avoid handling sick or dead animals, and rely only on official information issued by the Ministry of Health, KNPHI, WHO, and Africa CDC.
The Ministry further cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic, adding that it will continue monitoring the situation closely and keep the public informed of any developments.
