Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has reported that Kenya is making progress in containing the Ebola outbreak, with no new cases recorded in the past 10 days, a development that points to encouraging progress in the country's efforts to prevent further transmission of the disease.

The update comes amid continued efforts by the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies to strengthen disease surveillance, monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the virus, and ensure that health facilities remain prepared to respond to any suspected infections.

The absence of newly reported cases over the 10-day period is an encouraging development for the country, particularly as health officials continue implementing measures aimed at protecting communities and preventing the spread of the disease. However, health authorities are expected to maintain vigilance because the absence of new infections during a particular period does not automatically mean that the risk has completely disappeared.

The latest update provides some reassurance to Kenyans who have been concerned about the possibility of further infections since the country confirmed its first imported case of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola on October 6, 2026. The case involved a Kenyan national who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda before arriving in the country. The patient later died, prompting the government to activate emergency response measures to prevent further transmission.

Since the confirmation of the first case, the Ministry of Health has intensified surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing and isolation measures to identify possible infections and prevent the disease from spreading to other communities. Health officials have also been working closely with county governments, medical institutions and international health organisations to strengthen the country's preparedness and response capabilities.

Kenya has so far recorded nine confirmed Ebola cases and two deaths, making the containment exercise an important public health priority. The government has maintained that its response is focused on identifying infections early, ensuring that suspected cases receive appropriate medical attention and protecting healthcare workers who are directly involved in managing patients.

The absence of new infections over the past 10 days has also raised expectations that the country could be moving towards stabilising the situation. However, health authorities have cautioned that continued monitoring remains necessary, particularly because Ebola has an incubation period during which individuals exposed to the virus may develop symptoms.

During the latest Ebola Taskforce meeting held on October 30, officials reviewed the progress made in managing the outbreak and assessed the remaining activities required to complete the containment process. The meeting brought together government representatives and health sector partners who have been supporting the national response.

One of the major developments discussed was the planned progressive release of individuals who have been under quarantine and monitoring after coming into contact with confirmed Ebola patients. According to the government, the process is expected to be completed by November 11, provided those under observation successfully complete the required monitoring period without developing symptoms.

A group of 46 contacts is also expected to be discharged from quarantine on November 3 after completing the necessary monitoring requirements. The process is intended to ensure that individuals who may have been exposed to the virus are properly assessed before being allowed to resume their normal activities.

The government has emphasised that contact tracing remains among the most important measures in controlling the outbreak. Through this process, health officials identify individuals who may have interacted with confirmed patients, establish their exposure levels and monitor their health for any signs associated with Ebola.

Individuals identified through contact tracing are required to cooperate with health authorities throughout the monitoring period. This allows medical teams to respond quickly if anyone develops symptoms, reducing the possibility of further transmission within households, workplaces and communities.

The Ministry of Health has also continued strengthening surveillance at airports and other points of entry to identify travellers who may require additional screening. These measures are particularly important because Kenya receives travellers from different parts of the world, including countries that have previously reported Ebola infections.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has been among the key facilities targeted for enhanced surveillance. Health officials have introduced additional screening procedures for travellers arriving from countries considered to be at higher risk of Ebola transmission.

The measures include monitoring travellers for symptoms, identifying individuals who may have travelled through affected areas and ensuring that suspected cases are referred for further medical assessment. Authorities have also urged travellers to provide accurate travel information and cooperate with screening teams to support efforts aimed at preventing imported infections.

The government has further called on Kenyans to maintain basic public health precautions even as the country records encouraging progress. Members of the public have been advised to avoid unnecessary physical contact, including handshakes and hugs, particularly when interacting with individuals whose health status is uncertain.

Ebola is a serious viral disease that can spread through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids and contaminated materials of an infected person. It can also spread through contact with the body of someone who has died from the disease. This makes personal hygiene, infection prevention and early medical intervention essential in controlling transmission.

Health authorities have continued urging Kenyans not to spread misinformation or engage in unnecessary speculation about the outbreak. Instead, members of the public have been encouraged to rely on official updates from the Ministry of Health and report suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility.

The government has also been working to ensure that healthcare workers have the necessary equipment and training to safely manage suspected and confirmed cases. Medical personnel are considered among the groups facing the greatest risk during an outbreak because of their direct interaction with patients.

To strengthen this protection, the World Health Organization has supported Kenya's response by providing essential medical supplies valued at approximately 70,000 US dollars. The supplies are intended to improve the safety of frontline healthcare workers and strengthen laboratory testing capabilities.

The international organisation has also emphasised the importance of protecting nurses, doctors, laboratory personnel, clinical officers, public health officers and community health promoters who play a critical role in responding to disease outbreaks.

Kenya has additionally received support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, which committed approximately 1.5 million US dollars towards strengthening the country's Ebola response. The assistance includes technical support, deployment of public health experts, laboratory supplies and equipment to improve surveillance and emergency preparedness.

The partnership is expected to strengthen several areas of the response, including contact tracing, case management, laboratory testing and community engagement. Such cooperation is particularly important because infectious diseases can cross national borders through travel and other forms of human movement.

Health facilities have also been preparing to manage suspected infections by establishing isolation units and ensuring that protective equipment is available for medical personnel. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret is among the institutions that have strengthened their preparedness to handle possible cases.

The hospital has an isolation centre with approximately 18 beds, alongside another unit with more than 30 beds that can be converted for emergency use if the need arises. The facility has also received protective equipment and other essential supplies to support its response.

Hospital officials have reported that several suspected cases assessed at the facility tested negative for Ebola. These developments demonstrate the importance of laboratory confirmation in distinguishing Ebola from other illnesses that may present with similar symptoms.

Medical professionals have continued reminding the public that symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea can occur in several diseases. Anyone experiencing such symptoms after possible exposure to Ebola should seek immediate medical assessment rather than attempting self-diagnosis.

The government has also been encouraging community leaders, healthcare workers and local administrators to participate in public awareness campaigns. These efforts are intended to ensure that information about the disease reaches communities and that individuals understand how to protect themselves.

Community engagement remains particularly important because public cooperation can determine how quickly health authorities identify and respond to suspected infections. Residents have been encouraged to report concerns, follow medical instructions and avoid practices that could expose them to infected bodily fluids.

Although the absence of new cases over the past 10 days is encouraging, health officials have maintained that the country must not become complacent. Surveillance activities will continue as authorities complete the monitoring of identified contacts and assess the effectiveness of the measures already implemented.

The expected release of individuals who successfully complete quarantine will represent another important stage in the country's response. However, the government will continue monitoring the situation and maintaining preparedness in case new suspected infections emerge.