Editor's Review
The government has received a $2 million grant from China to support drought mitigation and strengthen the country’s preparedness and response to potential Ebola outbreaks.
The government has received a $2 million (approximately Ksh260 million) grant from China to support drought mitigation and strengthen the country’s preparedness and response to potential Ebola outbreaks.
In a statement on Thursday, October 8, Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo said he received the grant during a meeting with Guo Haiyan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kenya.
According to the Embassy, the funding was provided following a request by the Kenyan Government.
Kiptoo said the grant formed part of China’s continued support for Kenya and the broader cooperation between the two countries in infrastructure development and socioeconomic initiatives.
"We appreciate the Government of China for its continued support and commitment to strengthening our partnership in infrastructure development and socioeconomic initiatives," he wrote.
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According to Kiptoo, of the total funding, $1 million will be directed towards drought mitigation, while the other $1 million will support measures aimed at strengthening preparedness and response to potential Ebola outbreaks.
Kiptoo also used the engagement to brief the Chinese ambassador on his recent official visit to China and discussions held during the trip.
"I also briefed the Ambassador on my recent official visit to China and the follow-up engagements required to advance the various projects and areas of cooperation discussed during the visit," he added.
Elsewhere, this comes a day after the US Embassy in Nairobi issued a health alert to American citizens living in Kenya following the confirmation of the first Ebola virus case in the country.
In the alert on Wednesday, October 7, the embassy informed US citizens that the Ebola virus is a severe and often fatal disease.
"The government of Kenya reported a case of Bundibugyo virus disease on October 6. Health officials are conducting contact tracing of the patient. According to the Kenyan Ministry of Health, the individual traveled by land from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Uganda, with onward travel to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) via Jambojet flight 8523 on October 3, 2026.
"Ebola is a rare, severe, and often fatal hemorrhagic fever illness," the alert read in part.
The US Embassy urged Americans to alert their healthcare provider if they experience Ebola symptoms.
"If at risk for Ebola, alert your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola to receive guidance prior to presenting for care," the Embassy said.
The Embassy also advised American nationals to continue taking malaria prophylaxis as recommended by their doctors, noting that symptoms of malaria can resemble those of Ebola and may lead to preventable health concerns.
"Continue to take malaria prophylaxis as recommended by your doctor. Symptoms of malaria can mimic symptoms of Ebola, leading to preventable health scares," said the embassy.
The US citizens were advised to monitor their health for 21 days following travel to an area experiencing an Ebola outbreak.
"Monitor your health for 21 days following travel to an area experiencing an Ebola outbreak," the alert added.
