By Habil Onyango
For some time, the country has been on high alert for an Ebola disease outbreak following confirmed cases in neighbouring countries.
According to the latest reports, as of June 4, 2026, there were 452 confirmed cases and 82 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is the epicentre of the disease. Additionally, there were 19 confirmed cases, one death, and one probable death case in neighbouring Uganda.
The government has assured Kenyans that the Ministry of Health has strengthened all key response pillars and heightened concern over the disease in the region, as well as the movement of Kenyans between neighbouring countries.
However, the matter is now causing worry among leaders, especially from the lake region counties bordering the already affected countries.
According to Homa Bay Senator Moses Otieno Kajwang’, the government should put in place adequate measures along the lake region to ensure that the disease does not enter through Lake Victoria.
Kajwang’ stated that Kenyan citizens, especially those along Lake Victoria, primarily do most of their business with citizens from the affected countries, putting their lives at risk of contracting the disease.
Kajwang’ questioned the measures the government has put in place to address the disease in case of an outbreak on the islands within the Nyanza region.
According to the senator, most lake users from Kenya buy timber from DRC to build their boats. Fishermen, especially on islands, often have contact with their Ugandan counterparts, despite trading with Tanzanian citizens. This exposes them to the risk of infection.
“Kenya’s Ebola epidemic response strategy must put her citizens first,” noted the Homa Bay Senator.
“Lake Victoria trade thrives on regular contact between Kenyans, Congolese, Ugandans, and even Tanzanians,” said Kajwang’.
“Islands such as Remba, Migingo, Sigulu, Ringiti, Mageta, and Mfangano, among others, are all melting pots of East Africa trade, both legitimate and otherwise,” he added.
The senator was speaking at Malela SDA Church, Ndhiwa Constituency, Homa Bay County, during a fund drive, accompanied by Seme MP Dr James Nyikal, hosted by MP Martin Owino.
According to Duale, Kenya has activated a nationwide Ebola preparedness plan covering surveillance, laboratory testing, case management, border screening, and emergency response coordination as the government seeks to prevent and contain any potential outbreak.
“How prepared are we if Ebola were to break out on those islands?” questioned the Homa Bay Senator.
Country preparedness to tackle Ebola in case of an outbreak
According to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, no Ebola case has been confirmed in the country, but preparedness measures are being strengthened to ensure rapid detection, isolation and response should the disease cross the country’s borders.
He said surveillance systems have also been strengthened across the country to improve early detection of suspected cases.
Duale revealed that the counties have also been directed to identify and operationalise isolation facilities, holding areas, and quarantine centres to ensure they can respond quickly if a suspected case is reported.
He highlighted the risks posed by the large number of Kenyans living and working in countries within the region, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Contested Ebola patients at Laikipia Hospital
The government is already constructing and equipping 23 treatment centres across the country, including one at Laikipia Airbase which is being funded by the United States of America (USA).
However, the Laikipia project has triggered a legal, political and public debate over transparency, public participation and Kenya’s ability to manage a highly infectious disease.
According to Kajwang’, the facility should not only serve the Americans but all Kenyans.
According to Owino, who sits on the National Assembly Health Committee, the facility will serve all, including Kenyans and Americans.
“The CS for Health assured us when he appeared before Parliament that the Laikipia treatment centre will not only serve American citizens but everyone, including Kenyans,” said Owino.
Owino, however, warned Kenyans against engaging in politics regarding public health strategy programmes related to diseases, stating he has worked with the USA government for a long time and that the project benefits Kenyans.
He criticised those protesting against the project, citing the lack of public participation.
“When a pandemic or disaster is approaching, we do not need to wait and conduct public participation because the same people blaming the government for not doing so are the ones who will turn against the government once hit by the pandemic,” he said.
Owino advised the government to ensure they have the capacity in the established facilities for contact tracing and effective disease detection.
Nyikal, however, stated that they have no issue with the Laikipia treatment facility; the only concern was that some believed the facility was only meant to treat US citizens.
“We want the facility to serve all Kenyans, and if that is the case, it is acceptable; we have no other problem with it.”
Duale assured Kenyans that the facility is not exclusively for foreign nationals but is part of Kenya’s national public health preparedness and response framework.
“The hospital in Laikipia Airbase is not a quarantine centre for Americans only but one of the 23 treatment and isolation units planned under a Ksh 2.68 billion preparedness programme. We wish to assure Kenyans that Kenya remains Ebola-free, with surveillance and response systems fully operational to detect and respond swiftly to any potential public health threat,” said Duale.
