Busia: Kenya is ramping up its preparedness against a potential Ebola outbreak at its busiest land border, despite having recorded no cases of the disease so far. As thousands cross Kenya's western border daily, concerns about transmission from the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to loom large. Uganda's outbreak was declared over on 26 August 2026, yet the constant movement of people and goods across the region underscores the need for vigilance.
According to African Press Organization, the Kenya National Public Health Institute, with support from the WHO and the International Organization for Migration, has taken significant steps by training 35 health workers and engaging 45 border stakeholders from three key points of entry: the Busia and Malaba One-Stop Border Posts in Busia county, and Lwakhakha in Bungoma county. This initiative is part of Kenya's strategy to fortify its early warning system against Ebola.
The training focused on empowering border stakeholders, including youth representatives, traders, and truck drivers, with the skills to recognize signs and symptoms of the Ebola virus, apply suspect case definitions, and report any suspected cases and contacts. Moreover, the training emphasized the importance of risk communication to combat misinformation and ensure communities receive accurate information promptly.
Oliver Atsinga, a port health officer at the Kenya National Public Health Institute, highlighted the importance of early detection, stating, "The people who work at this border see travellers long before we do. When a trader notices someone who is unwell and knows exactly who to call, that is early detection."
Commitments were made during the session, with women traders pledging to reinstate handwashing points and inviting port health staff to their weekly meetings. Youth representatives also committed to disseminating key messages to their peers, ensuring that information circulates effectively within the community.
Health workers from the three points of entry and Busia Sub-County Hospital participated in comprehensive training sessions covering early detection, surveillance, contact tracing, case management, and specimen handling. They also engaged in practicing infection prevention and control measures.
The workshop unveiled gaps, such as the need for round-the-clock screening at Busia One-Stop Border Post, as current screening is limited to daytime hours. Participants advocated for continuous screening with qualified personnel available at all times.
Each border crossing developed its preparedness and response work plan, with calls for regular refresher training and simulation exercises. Key messages from the training are now being disseminated to strengthen early detection and reporting along Kenya's western border.