Kenya’s Ministry of Health has activated a network of 23 isolation and quarantine facilities under its national emergency preparedness framework as authorities heighten surveillance amid a regional outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in neighbouring countries.
The preparedness measures come as health systems across East Africa remain on alert following confirmed concerns linked to outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, increasing focus on Kenya’s ability to rapidly detect and contain any potential cases.
Although the Ministry of Health has not publicly released a complete list of all 23 facilities, several major centres have been confirmed as part of the national response structure.
In Nairobi, Kenyatta National Hospital has activated its specialised Infectious Disease Unit, which includes an eight-bed isolation and treatment facility with capacity for expansion if demand rises.
In western Kenya, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret has established dedicated units to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities across the Western and North Rift regions.
The Kenya National Police Hospital has also been incorporated into the national isolation network as part of institutional readiness plans.
Authorities are additionally focusing attention on border surveillance and containment. Temporary holding areas and screening structures have been established at high-risk entry points, including the Malaba and Busia border crossings that handle significant transit traffic from Uganda.
Preparedness efforts have further extended to selected areas in Kakamega and Taita Taveta counties to strengthen monitoring and rapid response capacity.
Public health officials maintain that the measures are precautionary and intended to ensure rapid isolation, screening and case management should any suspected infections emerge.
Source Attributed: Nation Newspaper