Kenya has begun a 42-day countdown towards being declared Ebola-free on December 23, 2026, after the last patient undergoing treatment for the disease was discharged from hospital.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced on Wednesday, November 11, that all seven patients who tested positive for the virus had recovered and been discharged, marking a major milestone in the country’s fight against the outbreak.

Duale said the government had also completed tracing all 135 people who came into contact with the infected individuals, both locally and abroad, with everyone completing the required 21-day monitoring period.

The CS confirmed that five patients were discharged on November 3, followed by the sixth on November 6, before the final patient was released.

Kenya will be declared Ebola-free on December 23 if no new cases are reported during the 42-day monitoring period, which begins on Thursday, November 12.

The outbreak recorded nine infections and two deaths, prompting the Ministry of Health to intensify contact tracing, screening and surveillance measures.

Duale said surveillance would continue across all 26 points of entry and health facilities countrywide, with rapid response teams and emergency operations centres remaining on standby.

More than 760,000 travellers have so far been screened as the government maintains that there will be no restrictions on movement, trade or public gatherings.

The CS also ruled out Kenya serving as a quarantine centre for foreign travellers seeking to meet other countries’ entry requirements. He said the Ministry of Health would not issue quarantine or Ebola-free certificates for travel purposes, noting that such requirements had no basis in international health regulations.

On the Laikipia airbase matter, Duale declined to comment, saying the issue was still before the courts.

He also warned against individuals seeking to profit from the Ebola response, saying the government would not allow the emergence of what he termed ‘Ebola billionaires’.