By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 30 May 2026 - The Government has designated a special arrival gate at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for passengers arriving from countries considered to be at high risk of Ebola transmission as part of enhanced disease surveillance measures.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced the move following a tour of JKIA, saying the country has heightened monitoring efforts in response to Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to Muthoni, surveillance has been intensified across all six international arrival gates at the airport, with Gate 16 specifically reserved for travellers arriving from high-risk countries.
To strengthen preparedness, health authorities have established an isolation centre at the gate, staffed by port health officials who can respond quickly if a suspected Ebola case is identified. Additional isolation points have also been set up to facilitate the immediate assessment of travellers showing symptoms associated with the disease.
As part of the enhanced screening process, all passengers entering Kenya are now required to complete online self-declaration forms detailing their travel history and current health status. Health officials say the information will help identify potential risks early and improve monitoring of arrivals from affected regions.
Kenya has also adopted advanced disease surveillance measures through genomic sequencing. Port health authorities are collecting and testing waste samples from all aircraft arriving at JKIA, both domestic and international. The samples are stored under controlled conditions before being analysed at national laboratories to detect disease trends and potential public health threats, including Ebola.
Muthoni reassured the public that no Ebola cases have been reported in Kenya and emphasised that the Government has put in place strict containment and preparedness measures. She urged Kenyans to rely on official information from the Ministry of Health and avoid spreading misinformation online.
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The PS further revealed that quarantine facilities have been established across the country, with severe or suspected Ebola cases set to be referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised treatment and management.
She called for greater collaboration among government agencies operating at points of entry, noting that effective surveillance requires a coordinated multi-agency approach. The Ministry of Health, she said, continues to closely monitor all entry points and has adopted a whole-of-government strategy to strengthen national preparedness.
Muthoni also advised Kenyans to avoid non-essential travel to countries currently experiencing Ebola outbreaks until the situation improves.
Meanwhile, airport staff and border officials have undergone training on Ebola symptoms, detection and response procedures. Authorities are also working closely with airlines and affected countries to obtain passenger health information and exit screening reports.
The Government says the enhanced measures are intended to ensure Kenya remains vigilant and well-prepared against Ebola and other public health threats.
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