Tension Grips the Nation as CS Duale Makes This Major Announcement to All Kenyans

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has declared Ebola a major public health threat, paving the way for enhanced measures to prevent the spread of the disease and strengthen Kenya’s response following the country’s first confirmed imported case.

The declaration was made through Legal Notice No. 203, published in the Kenya Gazette Supplement on Monday, October 12, 2026. The government also issued new regulations outlining procedures for screening travellers, identifying suspected cases and tracing people who may have been exposed to the virus.

The move comes after a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola after travelling to Kenya. The patient later died in Nairobi, prompting health authorities to intensify surveillance and contact tracing.

Under the new regulations, health officials can screen travellers at airports, seaports and land border crossings. The measures include checking temperatures, reviewing travel histories and assessing individuals who display symptoms associated with the disease.

Authorities may also refer suspected cases for further medical assessment and isolation to reduce the risk of transmission.

Duale has previously maintained that the imported case does not automatically mean Kenya is experiencing widespread transmission. The government has instead emphasised preparedness, testing and monitoring to prevent additional infections.

The Ministry of Health has also been working with county health teams and other agencies to strengthen the country’s ability to respond to suspected cases.

The development has placed renewed attention on Kenya’s public health preparedness, particularly given the country’s transport links with neighbouring states and the movement of people across international borders.

Kenyans have been urged to rely on official health information and cooperate with public health officers as surveillance activities continue.

The government’s latest action is intended to provide a legal framework for managing the Ebola threat while allowing authorities to respond quickly if additional cases emerge.

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