Ministry of Health Speaks on Claims Kenya May Receive Ebola-Exposed Americans

The Kenyan government has assured citizens that the country is fully prepared to deal with any Ebola-related threats following reports that the United States may send Ebola-exposed patients to Kenya for specialised monitoring and treatment.

In a statement released on May 27, the Ministry of Health did not directly confirm the reports. However, the ministry said that any international health cooperation would strictly follow Kenyan laws, public health rules, and safety standards aimed at protecting citizens and health workers.

The ministry said Kenya is currently holding discussions with the United States and other international partners on how to improve preparedness and response to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other public health emergencies.

“The Government of Kenya notes ongoing discussions with the US government and other global partners regarding international collaboration on strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms for Ebola Virus Disease and other emerging health threats,” part of the statement read.

The ministry also said Kenya welcomes partnerships that help improve global health security through coordinated and science-based action.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the government has already activated the national Incident Management System to improve the country’s readiness against Ebola.

According to Duale, surveillance at all entry points has been intensified, laboratories for testing have been prepared, and coordination between national and county governments has been strengthened.

The ministry also revealed that more than 55,000 travellers have so far been screened at border points and airports across the country since the Ebola threat was flagged. Authorities said no positive Ebola case has been reported in Kenya.

Reports indicate that a few Americans have already contracted the Ebola virus, including an American doctor currently in Germany. Six other Americans exposed to the virus have also been taken to Germany and the Czech Republic for monitoring.

In addition, one American was confirmed infected with Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while several others exposed to the virus were evacuated from the region for observation and treatment.

The reports come at a time when Kenya and the United States are strengthening health cooperation through a Ksh200 billion health partnership agreement.

The five-year agreement, signed in December 2025, allows US health funding to be channelled directly to Kenyan government institutions after the closure of USAID programmes by former US President Donald Trump.

Part of the agreement includes plans to absorb more than 13,000 health workers into the public sector and improve disease control systems and digital health security across the country.

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