Friday 22nd May, 2026 06:07 PM|
The Kenyan government has issued safety guidelines to citizens living in or travelling through parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda following reports of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, urged Kenyans abroad to take precautionary measures and follow health advisories issued in their host countries.
“We urge Kenyan diaspora living in or travelling through parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda affected by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak to exercise caution,” read the statement.
Kenyans have been advised to practice regular handwashing with soap and clean running water, avoid contact with sick persons or bodily fluids where possible, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding occur after travel to affected areas. The ministry also directed citizens to rely on updates from Kenya Missions abroad and official health agencies.
Ebola outbreak and regional status
bola Virus Disease is a severe illness caused by viruses in the Orthoebolavirus genus of the Filoviridae family. Symptoms appear between 2 and 21 days after infection and include sudden fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rash, and in severe cases, bleeding and organ failure.
The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently facing its 17th outbreak, with over 600 suspected cases and at least 139 deaths reported, mainly in Ituri Province. The virus has also been detected in South Kivu and confirmed imported cases in Uganda.
Regional response and coordination efforts
The outbreak has disrupted regional and international engagements, including the postponement of the India-Africa Forum Summit due to the evolving health situation. In eastern DRC, ongoing insecurity linked to armed conflict has affected response operations, with shortages of essential supplies reported in affected areas.
Kenya’s 24-Hour Diaspora Response Center has been activated to support citizens abroad. Contact numbers provided are +254 207 876 000 and WhatsApp +254 114 757 002. Citizens are also encouraged to follow official updates via @Diaspora_KE and www.diaspora.go.ke.
Health authorities have emphasised early reporting of suspected cases and adherence to hygiene practices while warning against stigma and misinformation that could undermine outbreak control efforts. Monitoring of the situation continues across the region.
