Health Minister Aden Duale announced Kenya's first confirmed Ebola case on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The patient, a Kenyan citizen living in the Democratic Republic of Congo, died in Nairobi after traveling from the DRC through Uganda.
The man fell ill about a month ago and received treatment in the DRC before traveling overland to Kampala and then flying to Nairobi on October 3. He was screened at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport but was confirmed positive for Ebola.
Duale stated the patient was under supportive treatment in Nairobi before passing away. The case marks the first imported Ebola case in Kenya.
The health ministry is now assessing the risk of further spread. Former Attorney General Justin Muturi criticized the government's preparedness, questioning how the patient bypassed screening measures.
This incident follows global concerns over Ebola outbreaks in the DRC. Kenya had previously reported no cases. The government is now implementing enhanced monitoring and response protocols.
The case highlights gaps in cross-border health surveillance. Officials are now working to prevent future outbreaks. The patient's identity remains undisclosed.
