By Alex Wekesa
The National Government, through the Ministry of Health, on Tuesday, 16th June 2026, sensitized Members and staff of the County Assembly of Bungoma to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) preparedness, amid growing concern over the risk of cross-border transmission.
The session, chaired by the Speaker of the County Assembly of Bungoma, Hon. Emmanuel Situma, brought together Members of the County Assembly, staff, health officials and stakeholders to deliberate on the potential risks posed by the disease and the importance of sustained vigilance.
The session was facilitated by Dr. Samuel Kadivane, National Head of Integrated Disease Surveillance at the Ministry of Health, who guided participants through a comprehensive presentation on the nature of Ebola Virus Disease, its transmission pathways, prevention measures and Kenya’s current preparedness.
Dr. Kadivane explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person and outlined the causes, symptoms and transmission dynamics of the disease, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection and prompt reporting of suspected cases.
Participants were updated on the Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, countries that have previously experienced outbreaks, providing important regional context for Kenya’s preparedness efforts.
It was noted that Ebola carries an incubation period of between two and twenty-one days, during which an infected individual may not exhibit symptoms but can nonetheless pose a public health risk once symptoms eventually manifest.
Risk mapping formed a significant part of the discussions, with border counties identified as particularly vulnerable owing to the high volume of cross-border movement.
Bungoma County was specifically highlighted as a high-risk requiring heightened surveillance, given its proximity to the Uganda border and the frequent movement of long-distance truck drivers between the two countries.
The Ministry of Health informed participants that, to date, no Ebola case has been reported in Kenya.
However, Public health officials urged the public to stay informed and supportive of proactive Ebola containment measures.
The officials stressed that continuous monitoring remains imperative given the frequency of regional movement between Kenya and neighbouring countries.
Kenya has already put in place a range of preventive interventions, including the training of rapid response teams, active surveillance activities, public awareness campaigns and screening procedures at designated points of entry.
These measures are designed to ensure that any suspected case is detected and managed swiftly before widespread transmission can occur.
Dr. Kadivian emphasized that community backing for the ongoing construction of containment facilities such as the isolation center in Laikipia County is absolutely vital to safeguarding the nation against any potential outbreak.
On strengthening local preparedness, participants discussed the establishment of a dedicated quarantine and isolation centre to manage suspected Ebola cases should the need arise, with officials noting that adequate and timely funding would be essential for equipping such a facility to the requisite standard.
The forum featured a robust interactive session during which Members of the County Assembly raised pertinent questions and sought clarification on various aspects of the disease.
Hon. Jack Kawa, MCA for Bokoli Ward, sought to understand the specific protective measures being put in place for residents, particularly with the upcoming school half-term break likely to trigger increased movement of students and travellers within the region.
He identified Busia, Bungoma and Kakamega counties as especially prone to infection risk due to population movement patterns.
Hon. Hentry Nyongesa sought clarification on the role of animals in Ebola transmission.
Health experts responded that certain wild animals can act as carriers of the virus and that human infection can occur through contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids, while noting that no animal-to-human transmission case had been reported in Kenya thus far.
Hon. Sudi Busolo, MCA for South Bukusu Ward, echoed this concern, specifically referencing primates and called for broader public education on zoonotic transmission risks.
Hon. Charles Nangulu, MCA Namwela Ward questioned why Ebola continues to attract significant public concern despite having been known to science for several decades.
Health officials clarified that the disease’s persistently high fatality rate and its potential for rapid community spread continue to make it a major public health threat warranting sustained attention.
Hon. Jeremiah Kuloba, MCA for Township Ward, underscored the importance of community-level preparedness and public awareness as frontline tools in preventing potential outbreaks.
The forum was also attended by County Executive Committee Member in charge of Health, Mr. Chrispinus Barasa, who represented the health sector and County Director Health Dr. Caleb Wata, who welcomed participants and underscored the imperative of institutional preparedness.
Deputy Clerk incharge of Administration at the County Assembly Ms. Josylyne Situmah similarly welcomed attendees before formally handing over the session to the County Assembly leadership.
The sensitization forum concluded with a collective call for continuous public awareness, enhanced surveillance and multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure that Bungoma County remains adequately prepared and capable of responding effectively should any Ebola related threat emerge.
Participants departed with a deepened understanding of the disease and a renewed appreciation of the critical role each individual and institution must play in safeguarding their communities against potential outbreaks.
Ends.
