𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐘𝐀 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐃 𝐄𝐁𝐎𝐋𝐀 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒

BY GRACE KYALO

Kenya’s Ministry of Health has suspended official meetings, seminars and conferences scheduled to take place in hotels as the government strengthens measures to respond to an imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease.

The directive, announced on October 10, 2026, took effect on October 7 and will remain in place until further notice.

According to the ministry, the decision is intended to prioritise emergency preparedness, contact tracing and measures to prevent further transmission of the disease.

The suspension applies to official gatherings organised by the ministry, with exceptions requiring formal approval from the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards.

The government has also directed health officials to implement established procedures for preventing and managing Ebola and other highly contagious infectious diseases.

Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease on October 6, following the diagnosis of a patient who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The patient later died in Nairobi.

Following the confirmation, health authorities intensified surveillance and contact tracing to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.

The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to remain calm, follow official public-health guidance and seek medical attention at recognised health facilities if they become unwell.

The response highlights the importance of disease surveillance, timely reporting and preparedness in protecting communities from infectious diseases.

Authorities continue to investigate possible exposure routes and monitor individuals identified during contact tracing.