Duale: There will be no ‘Ebola billionaires’ under my leadership

Health CS Adan Duale and Medical Services PS Oluga Ouma during the 6th PharmaReg & MedDevReg AfriSummit 2026 on September 28, 2026/HANDOUTHealth Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has vowed to prevent individuals from exploiting Kenya’s Ebola response to enrich themselves, warning that anyone seeking fraudulent tenders at Afya House will not be tolerated.

‎Duale said the government would ensure funds allocated to Ebola preparedness and response were used transparently, dismissing reports that Sh70 billion had been set aside for the outbreak.

‎“I want to tell the nation that there will be no ‘Ebola billionaires’ under my leadership. So msiende kumangamanga kule Afya House mkitafuta tender bandia,” he said.

‎The CS drew parallels with the Covid-19 pandemic, when allegations of irregular procurement of medical supplies triggered public outrage over the handling of emergency funds.

‎“Wakati wa Covid, mlijua kulikuwa na watu wanaitwa ‘Covid billionaires’. Wengine wao saa hii wanatafuta kiti kubwa ya rais,” Duale said.

‎He said the scandal was particularly painful because Kenyans were losing loved ones while some individuals allegedly took advantage of the crisis to make money.

‎“Wakenya wengi walipoteza wapendwa wao juu ya Covid, mimi nilipoteza mama mzazi kwa sababu ya Covid, na hiyo wakati Wakenya wakikufa kuna wengine hapa walikuwa wanazunguka wakiiba pesa,” he said.

‎Duale also dismissed reports suggesting that Sh70 billion was available for the Ebola response, cautioning against misinformation about the resources allocated to contain the outbreak.

‎“Juzi nimesikia media wakisema ati kuna Sh70bn ya Ebola, hakuna,” he said.

‎In a statement on Ebola preparedness, the CS reaffirmed that public resources must be managed transparently and accountably, warning that fraud, misappropriation and abuse of funds would not be tolerated.

‎“As we strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response measures, protecting Kenyans and ensuring every resource serves its intended purpose remain paramount,” he said.

‎His warning comes as health authorities intensify measures to contain the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, including contact tracing, surveillance and the provision of protective equipment and treatment services.

‎The ministry has continued to urge the public to cooperate with response teams as the government works to contain the outbreak.