Kenya's Kakamega County to Establish Ebola Isolation Centers Amid Regional Fears

Kakamega County in Kenya is proactively establishing two dedicated Ebola isolation centers as part of enhanced preparedness measures against potential outbreaks. The decision, approved by the county cabinet, follows consultations with the Ministry of Health amid growing concerns over reported Ebola cases in neighboring East and Central African countries.

Deputy Governor Ayub Savula stated that county authorities are taking swift, proactive steps to ensure readiness to respond effectively should the disease cross into Kenya. "We have already held discussions on our level of preparedness to tackle the Ebola disease that is threatening the East African region. We agreed that we must remain vigilant and deploy public health officers to help prevent the spread of the disease in Kenya and across the region," Savula said.

The county administration is collaborating with the national government on surveillance and emergency response. The two new facilities will serve to quarantine and manage suspected or confirmed Ebola cases. Savula explained that Kakamega's selection as a location for these centers is strategic, given its role as a major transit corridor connecting Busia, Bungoma, and Eldoret.

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We have already held discussions on our level of preparedness to tackle the Ebola disease that is threatening the East African region. We agreed that we must remain vigilant and deploy public health officers to help prevent the spread of the disease in Kenya and across the region.

Health authorities nationwide have intensified disease surveillance due to cross-border transmission risks within the East African region. Kenya's extensive movement of people and goods heightens this risk. The planned isolation centers aim to bolster emergency response capacity and improve early detection and containment efforts in western Kenya.

The Ministry of Health has warned that Kenya remains at an elevated risk of importing Ebola due to regional travel. To mitigate this, the government has activated its National Incident Management System and increased screening at airports and border points. Over 80,000 travelers have been screened, with 56 samples tested from individuals showing symptoms after traveling from affected areas.

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In Kakamega County, we are setting up two stations, and the cabinet has resolved that these centres will be used to quarantine and manage individuals who may contract the disease.