The Ministry of Health has flagged 25 counties as either very high risk or high risk for Ebola exposure, as the government steps up its preparedness in response to the deadly outbreak spreading across neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Public Health and Professional Standards PS, Mary Muthoni, said that while no positive cases have been reported in Kenya.
Speaking at a meeting at Afya House on Tuesday, 2nd June, 2026, PS Muthoni said that the government remains on high alert across all 26 points of entry and will be issuing periodic updates.
Ten neighbouring countries are currently under the government’s radar.
Counties classified under the very high-risk category include Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Kisumu, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Siaya, West Pokot, Turkana, Homa Bay, and Migori, largely border counties with high cross-border movement.
Those under the high-risk category are Vihiga, Kakamega, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kilifi, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Isiolo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Garissa.
“At all border points, including the country’s airports, surveillance and screening have been enhanced, with the Ministry of Health now saying over 1,000 health officers have been trained and are ready to respond to any case,” PS Muthoni said.
“Currently, emergency operation centres in 26 counties have been activated to deal with any eventuality.”
The Ministry said 13,548 travellers were screened at points of entry in the last 24 hours alone, bringing the cumulative total to approximately 67,000 screened travellers.
The government is also considering imposing a mandatory 21-day quarantine for all travellers arriving from high-risk countries before they are allowed entry into Kenya.
Going forward, Kenya will begin demanding exit surveillance reports certified by authorities from travellers’ countries of origin, along with detailed screening reports that must be shared with airlines or bus companies from neighbouring nations.
Kenyans have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel to affected countries until the situation improves.
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has recorded more than 1,000 suspected cases and nearly 250 deaths since it was declared on May 15, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Uganda has also registered several infections, including one death.
President William Ruto has maintained that Kenya has the appropriate measures in place to detect and contain the virus should it be found within the country’s borders.
His administration has, however, faced criticism following the approval of a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, a move that has stirred public debate despite the government’s insistence that it forms part of a broader national disease preparedness framework.
