Concerns rise over Kenya Ebola response capacity

A health worker stands in a new Ebola treatment center in Bunia, in the north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, on May 31, 2026. [AFP]

As debate intensifies over the proposed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, which is intended to serve Americans exposed to the virus, health experts are urging the government to move beyond political rhetoric and provide clear answers on Kenya's preparedness to respond to a potential Ebola outbreak.

Already, preparations at the Laikipia facility are reportedly in high gear, with U.S. medical experts said to have arrived in the country to support its establishment.

However, experts argue that the more pressing issue is not whether the facility should be set up, but whether Kenya's health system is sufficiently prepared to detect, isolate, and contain an Ebola case before it spreads.

Professor Omu Anzala, a virologist at the University of Nairobi, said Kenya must demonstrate readiness in critical areas, including isolation infrastructure, laboratory diagnostic capacity, a well-trained health workforce, surveillance systems, and emergency response logistics.

"The question is not whether we have a health system. Are our border screening systems effective? Do we have enough quarantine facilities? Are healthcare workers adequately trained to respond if a case is detected?" posed Prof Anzala

On Wednesday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale told MPs that the Laikipia airbase facility is among the 23 isolation centers the Kenyan Government is setting up.

But according to experts, not much has been said about the 22 other isolation centers, and preparedness aimed at protecting the Kenyan citizens even as Kenya remains among 11 countries considered at high risk of Ebola outbreak.

Prof Anzala warned that, a single Ebola case can quickly trigger a public health emergency due to the extensive contact tracing required to contain transmission.

"If we start having confirmed Ebola cases and multiple contacts, how equipped are we to quarantine, monitor and manage them?" posed the researcher. The real challenge is preventing the virus, from spreading to other people,” added the virologist.

His sentiments were echoed by Dr Moses Masika, another virologist who noted the need for the government to adequately prepare, more so within regions listed as high risk.

According to the Ministry of Health, counties clustered as very high risk include Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Siaya, west Pokot, Turkana, Homa Bay and Migori.

Similarly, high-risk counties include Vihiga, Kakamega, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Kiambu, Machakos, Makueni, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Isiolo, Elgeyo Markwet and Garissa.

“We just need to make sure the supplies and skills are in the right place, where needed,” said Masika.

In an interview with The Standard, Prof Anzala explained that quarantine facilities are crucial in separating suspected Ebola cases from the general population while awaiting test results.

Confirmed patients are then transferred to specialised treatment, or isolation centers.

The researcher emphasised that rapid quarantine, contact tracing and surveillance remains the backbone of Ebola containment.

"Quarantine and contact tracing are the entire essence of controlling an outbreak. This is where our emphasis should be," he said.

Further, Anzala questioned whether the country has sufficient stocks of personal protective equipment (PPEs), laboratory supplies and testing reagents required to detect the virus.

While the Ministry of Health has assured Kenyans that screening is ongoing at border points, Anzala argued that screening alone is not enough.

"Currently, much of the screening focuses on detecting fever. But when a suspected case emerges, laboratory confirmation becomes critical," he said.

Diagnosis of Ebola relies on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing, same technology that was used during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The technology exists. The question is whether we have adequate reagents, and supplies to sustain testing during an outbreak," he said.

The virologist further stressed that frontline healthcare workers must receive regular training on handling suspected Ebola patients, collecting samples safely and protecting themselves from infection.

Health workers are the forefront of handling the virus, and therefore exposed to infection.

For instance in DCR, most of individuals infected with the disease are healthcare providers.

Anzala observed the need to have healthcare providers need continuous training on how to operate isolation units, collect blood samples safely and manage patients without exposing themselves to infection.

"They must know how to do this safely, wear the correct protective gear and avoid contact with patient secretions," Anzala explained.

Reports have shown that because Ebola spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids, healthcare workers face significant risks when treating patients.

Apart from availability of PPEs, Anzala health workers should have knowledge on procedures on removal of contaminated gear and decontaminating oneself before leaving isolation areas.

"Healthcare workers must dress in a manner that protects them from exposure. A patient may vomit or release infectious fluids, which can easily come into contact with the eyes, face or skin if proper precautions are not observed," he said.

According to Masika Kenya has the capability to handle Ebola, in case of an outbreak.

Concerning Laikipia airbase, Masika said a big issue is public engagement noting that Public support and trust is an essential component in the Ebola response.

The Government he maintained need to engage the public and all stakeholders, address their concerns and fears directly and generate consensus where needed.

On Wednesday, Duale announced World Health Organisation (WHO) has supplied Kenya with 1,000 PPEs.

However, he admitted that the most urgent gaps include additional Ebola specific PPE, diagnostics tests and reagents, isolation and quarantine facilities, emergency logistics, rapid deployment support, simulation exercises, health workers protection, contact tracing resources, risk communication and emergency operational financing.

To strengthen national readiness for the first 100 cases of Ebola, he said the Ministry requires an allocation of Sh2.6 billion.

The allocation he said will support frontline border screening and surveillance, laboratory services, case management and safe and dignified burial.

Additionally, the allocation shall be used for data management, emergency logistics, surge staffing, social protection for frontline workers, and operation research.