The Ministry of Health has assured Kenyans that the country is well prepared to respond to 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 dated May 27, Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stopped short of confirming the alleged arrangement.
Instead, he emphasised that Kenya would continue to operate strictly within national laws, biosafety regulations and established public health standards designed to protect citizens, healthcare workers and surrounding communities.
“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 (EVD) and other emerging public health threats,” Duale said.
PRESS RELEASE – KENYA'S HEALTH SYSTEM: A TRUSTED PARTNER IN GLOBAL HEALTH SECURITY pic.twitter.com/ewwaMMooLZ
— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) May 27, 2026
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He added that Kenya is engaged in broader talks with the United States and other international partners aimed at strengthening preparedness and response systems, rather than negotiations centred on any specific patient transfer agreement.
To demonstrate readiness for a potential outbreak, Duale said Kenya has activated the national Incident Management System, strengthened surveillance at all points of entry, identified laboratories for testing, and reinforced coordination structures at both national and county levels.
He also said screening measures at entry points have been intensified, with ministry data showing more than 55,000 travellers screened so far, with no positive Ebola cases detected.
Globally, only a small number of cases involving Americans exposed to the virus have been reported.
One American has been confirmed to have contracted Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while at least six other exposed US citizens have been evacuated from the region. Six other exposed US citizens have also been transferred to Germany and the Czech Republic for observation.
The ministry's clarification comes amid reports that the United States plans to establish Ebola treatment and quarantine facilities in Nairobi to manage patients exposed to the virus in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
High-profile figures, including former Chief Justice David Maraga and representatives from the Law Society of Kenya, have publicly condemned the arrangement.
Legal experts and politicians argue that such a consequential agreement should not be handled through quiet diplomatic channels without domestic scrutiny.
"While Kenya takes its responsibilities in the community of nations seriously, no partnership should compromise our sovereignty or place the Kenyan public at undue risk," Maraga noted in his public statement, demanding parliamentary oversight before any further steps are taken.