Kenyans Urged to Avoid Non-Essential Travel to Uganda and DRC as Ebola Cases Rise
Kenyans have been urged to avoid non-essential travel to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid growing concerns over a resurgence of Ebola cases in the region.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni issued the advisory during an inspection tour of screening and surveillance measures at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday, May 30, warning that the risk of the virus crossing into Kenya remains significant due to extensive cross-border movement and trade.
The advisory comes as health authorities across East Africa intensify efforts to prevent the spread of the deadly disease, which has already triggered heightened surveillance and emergency preparedness measures in neighbouring countries.
Speaking at JKIA, Muthoni called on Kenyans to postpone non-essential travel to affected areas until the outbreak is brought under control.
“Ensure that you avoid unnecessary travel to those countries that are already having cases,” the PS said.
“You can just wait for some period of time to ensure that these issues go down, and then you can travel later.”
According to health authorities, the DRC is currently battling a significant Ebola outbreak, with between 900 and 1,077 suspected cases reported and between 121 and 134 infections confirmed. The majority of cases have been recorded in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu.
Uganda has also confirmed nine Ebola infections, with most cases reported in Kampala and Wakiso districts. Several of the patients are understood to have direct links to travel from the DRC, fuelling concerns about cross-border transmission.
Health experts warn that Ebola remains one of the world’s deadliest viral diseases. Among confirmed cases in the DRC, approximately 14 per cent of patients have died, while the fatality rate rises to nearly 23 per cent when suspected cases are included.
The developments have raised concerns in Kenya due to the country’s close economic and transport links with both Uganda and the DRC.
Kenya and Uganda maintain one of the busiest trade corridors in East Africa through the Busia and Malaba border points, where thousands of traders, transporters and travellers cross daily. The route facilitates both large-scale commercial trade and informal cross-border business activities.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s connection to the DRC is largely sustained through regional transport networks that see thousands of truck drivers ferry goods between the two countries every year. Fuel, food products, construction materials and manufactured goods are routinely transported from Kenyan ports and warehouses through Uganda into the DRC.
The constant movement of cargo, drivers and traders has heightened fears that an outbreak in neighbouring countries could eventually spill over into Kenya if strict monitoring measures are not maintained.
In response to the threat, Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale has assured Kenyans that the country remains prepared to respond swiftly should any Ebola case be detected.
According to Duale, the government has activated the National Incident Management System (IMS), strengthened disease surveillance at all major points of entry, designated specialised laboratories for testing, and enhanced coordination between national and county governments.
At JKIA, authorities have designated Gate 16 exclusively for flights arriving from Ebola-affected countries. The move is intended to facilitate immediate screening and monitoring of passengers considered to be at higher risk.
Muthoni further disclosed that Kenya has introduced aircraft wastewater surveillance at the airport, a system that allows health officials to collect and analyse wastewater samples from arriving aircraft to detect disease-causing pathogens before outbreaks occur.
The samples are tested for several infectious diseases, including Ebola, Mpox, Cholera, Polio and Meningitis.
Despite the heightened alert, the government says no Ebola case has been detected in Kenya.
Muthoni revealed that 18 samples collected from 25 counties across the country, including Nairobi and Mombasa, had all tested negative for Ebola.
The Ministry of Health has nevertheless urged the public to remain vigilant, observe health advisories and immediately report any suspected symptoms, as authorities continue monitoring the evolving situation across the region.
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