Kenya Begins 42-Day Countdown towards Ebola-Free Declaration Following Discharge of Last Patient

Kenya has reached a significant milestone in its response to Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease), following the discharge of the last patient undergoing treatment and the release of the final 11 contacts, who completed their mandatory 21-day monitoring period in good health.

Addressing the media at Afya House on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale announced that the country will begin the 42-day countdown towards an Ebola-free declaration on Thursday, 12th November 2026. The declaration is anticipated on or about 23rd December 2026, provided no new case is recorded during this period.

The milestone comes 37 days after Kenya confirmed its first imported case on October 6, 2026. Through strengthened surveillance and contact tracing, all 135 contacts linked to the index case were successfully traced and monitored. All nine confirmed cases remained within a single transmission cluster, with no community transmission recorded.

As part of the national response, the Cabinet Secretary declared Ebola a formidable epidemic disease, while the subsequent gazettement of the Public Health (Ebola Disease) Rules provided the legal framework to guide containment and response measures.

The CS acknowledged the collective efforts of the National and County Governments, public and private health facilities, and development partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), IGAD, and the Governments of the United States of America and India. He also recognised the cooperation and vigilance of Kenyans in supporting the response.

Kenya heightens Ebola surveillance

As the country enters the countdown period, the Ministry of Health will maintain heightened surveillance and preparedness across all counties. Rapid Response Teams will remain on alert, supported by active surveillance in health facilities and communities, prompt investigation of suspected cases, continued screening at points of entry, and sustained follow-up care and support for survivors.

The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed that Kenya remains open for business, tourism, trade and travel, with no restrictions on movement or public gatherings. He called on jurisdictions that imposed travel and visa restrictions on Kenya to review and lift the measures, emphasising that the country’s transparent reporting and adherence to the International Health Regulations should not attract punitive restrictions.

He further clarified that Kenya will not serve as a quarantine destination for other jurisdictions. Travellers will not be detained in Kenya to fulfil entry requirements imposed by their destination countries, while the Ministry will not issue quarantine or Ebola-free certificates for travel purposes, as such requirements have no basis in the International Health Regulations.

The CS urged Kenyans to remain vigilant throughout the countdown period, seek early medical attention if they develop symptoms associated with Ebola, particularly following travel to affected areas, and call the toll-free 719 line for assistance.

On accountability, the Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transparency and prudent management of resources, undertaking to publicly disclose all support received from the Government and development partners and account for resources and contributions mobilised towards the response.