By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 27 May 2026 - Kenya has moved to calm public anxiety over Ebola preparedness after reports emerged that the United States could send Ebola-exposed patients to the country under international health cooperation arrangements.
The Ministry of Health on Wednesday reassured Kenyans that no decision would compromise public safety, insisting that any collaboration with foreign governments would strictly follow Kenyan laws and biosafety regulations.
“The Government of Kenya notes ongoing discussions with the US government and other global partners regarding international collaboration on strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats,” the ministry said in a statement.
Without directly confirming whether Ebola patients from the United States would be brought into Kenya, the ministry stressed that the country’s priority remains protecting citizens and frontline health workers.
“Any arrangements regarding international health cooperation will be guided by Kenya's national laws, public health regulations, biosafety and biosecurity standards, and the overriding responsibility of the Government to safeguard the health and welfare of the people of Kenya,” the statement added.
The reassurance comes as East and Central Africa remain on high alert following the Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Kenya has already intensified surveillance and activated emergency response systems across the country.
According to the ministry, more than 55,000 travellers have so far been screened at airports and border points since the outbreak was flagged in the region, with no positive Ebola case reported in Kenya.
Officials said the government has also activated the national Incident Management System, strengthened coordination with county governments and designated specialised laboratories for Ebola testing.
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“Kenya welcomes partnerships that strengthen global health security and reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting lives through coordinated, science-based action,” the ministry stated.
The discussions with Washington come at a time when Kenya and the United States are deepening cooperation in the health sector under a Sh200 billion health partnership signed in December 2025.
The five-year agreement shifted American health funding directly to Kenyan government institutions following major changes in U.S. foreign aid programmes.
Part of the agreement focuses on disease surveillance, emergency response systems and digital health security, areas now considered critical as countries race to prevent cross-border spread of Ebola.
Globally, concern has continued to rise after several Americans exposed to the virus were evacuated from Congo to European countries including Germany and the Czech Republic for monitoring and treatment.
One American citizen has already been confirmed infected with Ebola in DR Congo.
Kenyan authorities have nonetheless urged the public to remain calm, maintaining that the country’s preparedness systems remain fully operational and capable of responding rapidly to any suspected case.
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