The United States has announced an additional Ksh2.59 billion (US$20 million) in funding to bolster Ebola preparedness efforts across East Africa, including Kenya, as authorities race to strengthen defenses against the deadly virus.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 10, the U.S. State Department confirmed that the new funding will support preparedness activities in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan, bringing Washington’s total direct contribution to Ebola response efforts in the region to more than Ksh28.4 billion (US$220 million).
The latest financial commitment comes amid heightened concern over the potential spread of Ebola and growing efforts by regional governments to enhance surveillance, improve emergency response systems, and protect vulnerable populations.
According to the State Department, the additional resources will be used to strengthen national emergency operations centres, expand disease surveillance and laboratory testing capabilities, improve border screening measures, and reinforce infection prevention and control systems.
The funding will also facilitate the procurement and distribution of critical medical supplies while helping governments prepare healthcare facilities to manage potential Ebola cases should the virus cross into their territories.
“The United States continues to be the largest financial contributor to the Ebola response,” the State Department said while announcing the fresh allocation.
Officials noted that the support forms part of a broader international response coordinated with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regional governments, and humanitarian partners working to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
Through more than Ksh28.4 billion (US$220 million) in direct assistance already committed, implementing organisations have supported contact tracing initiatives, screening operations at border points, response activities in health facilities, and public awareness campaigns aimed at combating misinformation surrounding the disease.
The announcement follows another major U.S. intervention just days earlier, when President Donald Trump’s administration approved Ksh6.7 billion (US$50 million) to facilitate the establishment of up to 50 Ebola response clinics across the region.
The United States also commended Kenya for its role in supporting regional containment efforts following a high-level meeting between President William Ruto and U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos in Oslo, Norway, on Tuesday, June 9.
Following the discussions, Boulos praised Kenya’s cooperation in addressing the Ebola threat and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between Nairobi and Washington.
“We discussed U.S.-Kenyan cooperation to respond to Ebola, and I thanked President Ruto for his steadfast partnership. Both of our nations have vital roles to play in fighting this outbreak and protecting our populations,” Boulos said.
The renewed commitment comes at a sensitive time for Kenya, with public debate intensifying over plans to establish an Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia County.
Tensions escalated on Tuesday when protests erupted in Nanyuki over the proposed facility, resulting in the death of one person and the arrest of more than 50 others, according to local authorities.
As regional governments remain on high alert, health experts warn that sustained investment in preparedness measures, rapid response systems, and public awareness campaigns will be critical in preventing the virus from gaining a foothold in East Africa.
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