The organisation said any emergency measures introduced in response to the case must be “lawful, necessary, proportionate, time-bound, and non-discriminatory”, citing lessons Kenya and other countries learned during the Covid-19 pandemic.
By David AbonyoPublic Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, who chaired a stakeholder meeting at the Ministry of Health headquarters on Wednesday, said the country remained alert, with health officers activated nationwide to ensure a timely response to any suspected case.
By David AbonyoIn a statement on Wednesday, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the centre would provide quarantine, inspection and certification services for animals destined for export, helping Kenya meet international animal-health and food-safety requirements.
By David AbonyoAccording to WHO, no additional cases have been reported since May 25, paving the way for the outbreak to be formally closed under international public health guidelines.
By Maureen KinyanjuiAccording to the CS, the planned facility was intended to enhance the country's readiness to handle a possible outbreak and should not be interpreted as a sign that the disease has entered the country.
By Maureen KinyanjuiMuluka argued that elected and appointed leaders cannot invoke legal authority to override public sentiment, insisting that citizen concerns should not be dismissed as insignificant
By Chrispho OwuorMuthoni highlighted community health systems as a critical line of defence against disease outbreaks, arguing that effective surveillance begins at the grassroots level rather than in laboratories
By Chrispho OwuorIn a letter addressed to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Wednesday, the union said Kenya’s healthcare system is not adequately equipped to safely manage such high-risk cases and urged the government to prioritize the welfare of healthcare workers and the public before entering into any related international arrangements.
By David AbonyoOluga further argued that Kenya’s strong economic and transport links with the region necessitate heightened preparedness, noting that many Kenyans continue to travel frequently for work-related activities in the DRC.
By David AbonyoSpeaking on Radio Generation on Monday, Atellah said preparedness should not be reactive but continuous, arguing that Kenya’s health system risked being exposed due to gaps in staffing, infrastructure, and transparency in international agreements.
By David AbonyoDuale dismissed claims that the facility was being established exclusively for United States nationals, saying Kenya was preparing for a possible outbreak of the Ebola Bundibugyo strain, which currently has no approved vaccine.
By David AbonyoThis outbreak comes as measles cases surge across the United States, following recent outbreaks in New Mexico and Texas that infected hundreds and left three people dead. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1,563 cases have been confirmed nationwide so far this year, marking the highest number in more than three decades.
By Maureen Kinyanjui