The Ministry of Health has confirmed ongoing talks with the United States and other international partners on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) preparedness and broader global health security cooperation, as Kenya steps up surveillance and emergency response measures amid regional health concerns.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry said the discussions are part of efforts to strengthen coordinated responses to emerging public health threats.

“Kenya welcomes partnerships that strengthen global health security and reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting lives through coordinated, science-based action,” the Ministry said.

The government noted that Kenya’s health security role has been built through long-term investments in surveillance, laboratory systems, and emergency preparedness, adding that local institutions have previously supported outbreak responses in the region, including the 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak.

Kenya said it is currently maintaining heightened preparedness in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of the region. “The country continues to maintain and strengthen preparedness measures in response to the ongoing EVD outbreak in the region,” the statement read.

According to the Ministry, the national response includes activation of the Incident Management System, intensified screening at Points of Entry, and the use of designated laboratories for testing suspected cases. Coordination between national and county governments has also been reinforced.

The Ministry said more than 55,000 travellers have been screened for Ebola at entry points, while all 10 suspected cases tested so far have returned negative results.

On international cooperation, the government stressed that all arrangements will be strictly regulated. “Any arrangements regarding international health cooperation will be guided by Kenya’s national laws, public health regulations, biosafety and biosecurity standards,” the Ministry said.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Kenya remains committed to safeguarding both national and regional health security. “Kenya is capable. Kenya will continue to act responsibly in safeguarding both national and global health security,” he said, adding that the government will provide regular updates as necessary.

The confirmation follows recent international reports that the United States is exploring the establishment of a quarantine facility in Kenya to monitor and isolate American citizens exposed to Ebola in the region.