Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale addresses Parliament on June 3, 2026, / SCREENGRAB.Twenty-two Ebola alerts reported across nine counties have been investigated and all tested negative, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale told Parliament on Wednesday.
His remarks come as Kenya stepped up surveillance and preparedness measures following the outbreak in neighbouring Uganda.
Duale said the alerts were reported in Nairobi, Kiambu, Siaya, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyamira, Kisumu, West Pokot and Bungoma counties.
"The national surveillance system has investigated 22 alerts across Kenya, and all have tested negative," he said.
He added that three recent alerts reported in Nairobi, Uasin Gishu and Bungoma counties were also investigated and confirmed negative.
The CS told lawmakers that Kenya currently has test kits, reagents and personal protective equipment sufficient to support the management of about 200 Ebola patients, while four laboratories have been designated to conduct testing.
"I wish to be very candid. While laboratory capacity is strong, the test kits and reagents, and personal protective equipment estimated to support the management of about 200 victims are in place," he said.
Duale said the designated testing facilities include the National Public Health Laboratory in Nairobi, KEMRI laboratories in Nairobi and Kisumu, and a mobile laboratory in Busia.
"The virus being an extreme risk, four laboratories have been designated for Ebola testing: the National Public Health Laboratory in Nairobi, KEMRI laboratories in Nairobi and Kisumu, and the mobile laboratory in Busia," he said.
According to the CS, the laboratories are equipped with molecular testing capabilities to support rapid diagnosis of suspected cases.
Duale said the government continues to strengthen Ebola preparedness capacity at both national and county levels.
"At the national level, Kenyatta National Hospital has prepared eight isolation beds and conducted a dry run. The hospital also has a separate facility for handling infectious waste," he told Parliament.
He added that the National Police Service Hospital has set aside 49 isolation beds for potential Ebola cases.
At the county level, 29 counties have designated isolation and treatment facilities, with Ministry of Health teams undertaking on-site verification to assess their readiness.
The CS further said screening and surveillance measures have been enhanced at the country's entry points to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.
"Screening has been strengthened through thermal scanners, holding rooms and ambulance systems, which are being reviewed and activated in all our priority points of entry, including major airports and high-volume land border points," he said.
Kenya has heightened preparedness measures following the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, with health authorities increasing surveillance, laboratory testing and response capacity to prevent the importation and spread of the disease.
