Kenya Confirms Talks with U.S. Over Ebola Preparedness Amid Reports of Exposed Americans Being Sent to Nairobi
Health CS Aden Duale said any arrangements would strictly follow Kenya’s laws and public health protocols, stressing that safeguarding citizens remains the government’s top priority.
Health CS Aden Duale chairs a high-level preparedness meeting at Afya House. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has confirmed that Kenya is in ongoing discussions with the United States and other global partners on strengthening preparedness and response measures for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), following reports that exposed American citizens could be sent to Kenya for monitoring and treatment.
In a statement on Wednesday, Duale said the engagements are part of broader international cooperation on public health security.
“The Government of Kenya notes ongoing discussions with U.S government and other global partners regarding international collaboration on strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats,” he said.
He added that Kenya welcomes partnerships aimed at enhancing global health security while safeguarding lives through coordinated and science-based approaches.
The clarification comes amid a report by The New York Times indicating that the administration of U.S President Donald Trump is considering transferring American citizens exposed to Ebola to Kenya for monitoring and treatment.
According to the report, the proposed plan marks a shift from previous outbreaks where exposed individuals were repatriated to specialised medical facilities in the United States. It further noted that U.S authorities are exploring the establishment of a facility in Kenya for quarantine and treatment, supported by medical teams drawn from public health services.
Duale, however, emphasized that any such cooperation would strictly adhere to Kenya’s legal and public health frameworks.
“Any arrangements regarding international health cooperation will be guided by Kenya’s national laws, public health regulations, biosafety and biosecurity standards, and the overriding responsibility of Government to safeguard the health and welfare of the people of Kenya,” he said.
He assured Kenyans that protecting citizens, health workers and communities remains the government’s top priority.
The CS further noted that Kenya’s health system has strengthened over the years through investments in disease surveillance, laboratory capacity and emergency preparedness.
According to the Ministry of Health, Kenya has already activated its national Incident Management System and intensified screening at points of entry following the regional Ebola outbreak.
So far, more than 55,000 travellers have been screened, with ten suspected cases tested and confirmed negative.
Duale reaffirmed that Kenya remains prepared to respond to emerging health threats while balancing international cooperation and national safety.
“Kenya is ready. Kenya is capable. Kenya will continue to act responsibly in safeguarding both national and global health security,” he said.
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