By Andrew Kariuki
Kenya has heightened Ebola preparedness measures amid the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with the Ministry of Health designating specific entry points at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and strengthening quarantine and emergency response systems.
Health authorities confirmed that Gate 16 at JKIA has been designated to receive flights arriving from countries considered high-risk for Ebola exposure as part of enhanced screening and surveillance measures.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said quarantine and isolation arrangements have already been put in place at JKIA to support rapid response in the event of suspected infections.
“Ebola quarantine centers have been set up at JKIA. If found, serious cases will be referred to Kenyatta National Hospital,” Muthoni said.
The heightened preparedness comes amid increased concern over the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and growing public debate over reports of a proposed Kenya-U.S. Ebola monitoring and treatment arrangement.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale defended the government’s preparedness measures, saying infectious diseases require coordinated international response mechanisms.
“The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC is a reminder that infectious diseases do not respect national borders,” Duale said.
According to the CS, the government has established dedicated isolation and treatment facilities to strengthen national preparedness, adding that Kenya, in collaboration with the United States government, is enhancing monitoring, isolation and emergency response capacity.
“To strengthen this preparedness, the government has established several dedicated isolation and treatment facilities. In partnership with the U.S. government, Kenya is also establishing a similar facility at a military installation in Laikipia to strengthen monitoring, isolation and emergency response capacity,” he stated.
The developments come as the High Court temporarily halted the establishment or operationalisation of any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in Kenya under an arrangement involving the United States or any foreign government, pending the hearing and determination of a petition challenging the move.
