Duale Assures Public as Kenya Strengthens Ebola Preparedness
Nairobi - - Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale assured Kenyans that the country remains free of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases, while emphasizing that the Government has intensified preparedness measures to safeguard public health and strengthen national readiness against potential threats.
Speaking during a media engagement forum in Nairobi, the Cabinet Secretary underscored the critical role of the media in providing accurate, timely and reliable information during public health emergencies, noting that informed citizens are central to effective disease prevention and response.
Hon. Duale said the Ministry of Health continues to closely monitor developments following Ebola outbreaks reported within the region. He noted that although Kenya has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, the country remains vigilant due to extensive cross-border movement of people and goods.
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted ongoing preparedness efforts, including enhanced surveillance and contact tracing, screening at points of entry, strengthened laboratory capacity, training of healthcare workers, risk communication, and the establishment of isolation and treatment facilities to support rapid response if required.
Addressing public concerns over the establishment of preparedness facilities in some parts of the country, including Laikipia County, Hon. Duale clarified that such facilities do not indicate the presence of an outbreak but are precautionary measures designed to ensure the health system can respond effectively to any suspected or confirmed case.
He emphasized that preparedness should not be mistaken for panic, noting that effective emergency response depends on actions taken before a crisis occurs. Quoting military strategist Tzu, the Cabinet Secretary observed that successful responses are built on advance planning and readiness.
Hon. Duale called on media practitioners to support efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation, warning that inaccurate reporting can fuel fear, confusion and stigma during public health emergencies. He encouraged media houses to verify information through official channels and continue supporting public education through evidence-based reporting.
The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and pledged continued public updates through official communication channels.
He also urged healthcare workers across the country to remain vigilant, maintain strict infection prevention and control measures, and promptly report suspected cases. He described health workers as the frontline defence against public health threats.
Hon. Duale further called on county governments to sustain investments in surveillance systems, rapid response teams, healthcare worker training, isolation facilities and community awareness initiatives, noting that every outbreak begins and ends at the community level, making local preparedness essential to national health security.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that preparedness requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, bringing together communities, healthcare workers, county governments, development partners, the private sector and the media.
He thanked development partners for their continued support in strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, emergency response mechanisms, healthcare worker training and risk communication efforts, which have enhanced Kenya’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats.
Hon. Duale reiterated that preparedness is not a sign that danger is at the country’s doorstep, but a demonstration of responsible leadership, effective planning and a commitment to protecting lives before emergencies occur. He called for continued collaboration, vigilance and public trust to ensure Kenya remains prepared and resilient in the face of public health threats.