Kenya issues travel warning as Ebola surveillance is stepped up

Added: 2026-05-23

[00:00:00]We begin with the Ebola crisis. Kenyans have been cautioned against traveling to countries affected by the deadly Ebola virus. While confirming that Kenya has not recorded any case of the disease, health cabinet secretary Aden Duale said the government has identified 22 high-risk counties vulnerable to importation of the virus and is stepping up surveillance measures in those areas.

[00:00:24]And as Emily Chebet reports, the CS has also warned Kenyans against spreading fear and misinformation saying confirmation and announcement of any Ebola case can only be made by the health ministry after rigorous testing and consultations with international partners.

[00:00:43]Health cabinet secretary Aden Duale says the test results of three Kenyans who presented symptoms of Ebola virus and had traveled history to the Democratic Republic of Congo turned negative, easing all fears of possible infection.

[00:00:56]They were isolated.

[00:00:58]They were assessed and they were tested for Ebola virus disease.

[00:01:06]With all the results returning negative.

[00:01:09]Four additional contacts who accompanied them to hospital were also tested, assessed, and found negative. CS Duale calling on Kenyans to be vigilant and follow directives from the Ministry of Health in order to minimize the risk of importing the virus from countries that have since reported the disease. The health of the individual should be your responsibility.

[00:01:35]My health is my responsibility.

[00:01:37]That's why I'm saying we should minimize or stop essential travel to Ituri, for example.

[00:01:49]To the western part of the border between Uganda and and and DRC.

[00:01:55]Speaking after a high-level meeting on the country's preparedness to respond to any emergency, CS Duale said Kenya remains on high alert due to its close regional connectivity through trade, transport, and population movement. The minister has also identified 22 high-risk counties.

[00:02:14]We have placed 118 rapid response personnel on standby.

[00:02:20]And we have sensitized over 880 national and county healthcare workers on on Ebola preparedness and response.

[00:02:32]According to the Ministry of Health, more than 42,000 travelers have undergone screening at various points of entry, including airports and land border crossings. CS Duale has cautioned Kenyans to remain alert and observe health guidelines.

[00:02:46]And even as surveillance is heightened at border points, residents of Busia County have expressed concerns over what they say is a lack of information on where and how the screening is being conducted.

[00:03:42]CS Aden Duale maintains that Kenya remains safe, urging international tourists to continue with their travel plans to visit the country while observing the established health protocols. Thank you very much. Emily Chebet, Citizen TV, Nairobi.