Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has inspected the 133-bed Ebola Isolation Unit at Nairobi Hospital as Kenya strengthens preparedness following confirmation of an imported Ebola Virus Disease case from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Duale said Kenya does not have an Ebola outbreak and described the confirmed case as an imported infection whose movement from the DRC through Uganda to Kenya was traceable. The Ministry of Health says the patient later died.
57 contacts identified
Duale said health authorities initially identified 55 contacts linked to the patient before two more were added, bringing the total to 57.
Ten contacts have so far been traced and placed under quarantine at the National Police Service Hospital in Nairobi. Health teams continue tracing the remaining contacts.
The CS said five health facilities have been designated to isolate and treat suspected or confirmed Ebola cases. They are Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, National Police Service Hospital, Port Reitz Hospital and Nairobi Hospital.
Nairobi Hospital has the largest listed capacity, with 133 isolation beds, including 45 High Dependency Unit and Intensive Care Unit beds. Duale said the capacity can be expanded if necessary.
During the inspection, Duale said he was reassured by the separation between Nairobi Hospital’s infectious disease isolation unit and the main hospital campus.
The facility has designated zones and protocols intended to prevent contact between Ebola patients and other patients.
Border screening intensified
The government has also strengthened preparedness at Kenya’s borders, with temporary isolation centres identified at Malaba and Kocholia, while the Alupe facility undergoes renovation.
Traveller screening has been intensified, particularly for people arriving from countries affected by Ebola. Travellers are also required to complete health declaration forms to support surveillance and contact tracing.
Duale urged Kenyans to remain vigilant without panicking and advised anyone experiencing symptoms or concerned about possible exposure to seek care at a recognised health facility.
The Ministry of Health says Kenya has laboratory capacity, trained health workers and isolation infrastructure to detect and manage suspected cases. WHO has also confirmed that it is supporting Kenya’s response following confirmation of the imported Bundibugyo Ebola case.
The public can use the Ministry of Health’s toll-free 719 line for Ebola-related health information.