Kenya Could Be Declared Ebola-Free in Three Weeks, Says Duale

Kenya could be declared free of the Ebola virus in the next three weeks, provided no new community cases are recorded, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced.

This comes as neighbouring Uganda completed the discharge of all 60 contacts linked to Kenya’s initial imported case after they completed a mandatory 21-day quarantine period without showing any symptoms.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Sunday, Duale explained that international health standards require a country to remain free of new cases for 42 days before declaring an outbreak over. The period represents twice the maximum 21-day incubation period for the Ebola virus.

As of Monday, October 26, Kenya was 21 days into the outbreak, which began on October 2. Ministry of Health data shows all nine confirmed cases, including two deaths, were linked to the initial imported case, with zero instances of community transmission reported.

Duale said those who tested positive were already in isolation after coming into contact with the primary patient. Over the last 48 hours, health authorities tested 551 suspected cases, all of which returned negative results.

The ministry is now preparing to release nearly 20 quarantined individuals who have completed their 21-day isolation and tested negative. Duale confirmed that these individuals undergo testing every 48 hours and will return to their families once final clinical protocols are completed. Health authorities have also reported a 100 per cent tracing rate for all identified primary contacts.

Across the border, Ugandan Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi confirmed on Sunday that all 60 individuals traced in connection with the infected traveller had finished their 21-day follow-up. Ugandan officials had reconstructed the traveller's journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Uganda, monitoring border personnel, hotel staff, and transport operators.

Despite discharging the contacts and maintaining that the country has no active cases, Uganda faces a diplomatic dispute with Nigeria over a recent Ebola case confirmed in Abuja on October 20. Nigerian authorities linked the patient, a Nigerian diplomat's associate, to recent travel from Uganda, a claim Kampala continues to contest.

Dr Baryomunsi pledged continued cooperation with Kenya and the DRC to suppress regional transmission. However, he warned that DRC nationals entering Uganda through unapproved routes would face strict measures, including paying for their own medical treatment if found with the virus.

Kenyans can report Ebola-related emergencies through the toll-free line 719, by dialing *719#, or via the Ministry of Health WhatsApp line on 0700 719 719.