The government has moved to bring ministries, departments and agencies under one coordinated Ebola response. Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga said a disciplined, whole-of-government approach is needed to keep the outbreak contained.

Dr Oluga spoke on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, at a high-level intergovernmental briefing at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi. Principal Secretaries from several ministries attended, along with the chief executives of health semi-autonomous government agencies, Capital FM reported.

He stressed three priorities: institutional readiness, responsible communication and public awareness. He noted that confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease had risen to nine, all linked to a single cluster that began with the country's first recorded case.

Taskforce reviews readiness

The National Multi-Agency Ebola Taskforce, chaired by PS Mary Muthoni, has also met to review case management, isolation and quarantine facilities, risk communication and medical supplies. According to The Standard, the taskforce emphasised a coordinated multi-agency approach to strengthen preparedness, protect frontline health workers and communities, and prevent further transmission.

On 19 October the Ministry of Health met development and health partners to discuss funding gaps and resource mobilisation, The Star reported.

Reaching high-risk groups

Public sensitisation campaigns are under way among health workers, border communities, transport operators and other high-risk groups. Amref Health Africa says it is working with the ministry on messaging for truck drivers, mobile populations and people living near informal border crossings.

Amref also urged Kenyans to stay calm, rely on official information and follow Ministry of Health guidance.

Why coordination matters

The outbreak has tested several arms of government at once. Health officials are managing patients and contacts. The Foreign Affairs ministry is handling travel advisories and restrictions from other countries. Security and county officials are supporting surveillance at borders and transport hubs.

Public health experts have warned that mixed messages can fuel stigma and misinformation and slow reporting of symptoms. That is one reason the government is putting emphasis on "responsible communication".

So far the ministry reports that 134 of 135 identified contacts have been traced and quarantined. There has been no spread inside quarantine facilities and no evidence of community transmission. The first group of contacts is due to complete quarantine from 25 October.

Kenyans are advised to report Ebola-like symptoms through the toll-free line 719 or at the nearest health facility.

Photos: Capital FM; Kenyans.co.ke