Ann Koome
Kenya has officially discharged its final Ebola patient and cleared all remaining quarantined contacts, paving the way for a critical 42-day countdown toward being declared completely free of the virus.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that all seven survivors of the Bundibugyo strain have recovered, and 11 individuals have completed their 21-day quarantine. Under World Health Organization standards, the 42-day countdown to a clean bill of health officially starts tomorrow, with a target disease-free date of December 23, 2026.
The outbreak began on October 6, 2026, linked to an imported case from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In total, Kenya recorded nine cases, resulting in two deaths and seven recoveries, and successfully traced all 135 contacts with zero community spread. No new infections have been logged since October 19.
Surveillance remains active nationwide, with ongoing screening at points of entry. Amid a larger regional outbreak in the DRC, returning travelers face strict festive season guidelines, including health declarations and monitoring.
CS Duale also urged foreign nations, including Saudi Arabia, to lift blanket travel restrictions on Kenya, emphasizing that the country has no active cases or transmission. Kenya will not issue special travel certificates or act as a regional quarantine holding facility. Officials encourage continued vigilance, asking the public to report symptoms to the toll-free 719 hotline
