NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Red Cross Society has activated its response measures following the confirmation of the country’s first Ebola case, with teams deployed to support the national response under the leadership of the Ministry of Health.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idris expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of the patient who died from Ebola Virus Disease.
The organization said it had been closely monitoring the regional Ebola situation and strengthening preparedness measures alongside the Ministry of Health.
“Our response is now fully under way, under the leadership of the Ministry of Health,” the statement said.
Kenya Red Cross said its teams were already on the ground, supporting the response through safe and dignified burial teams, community engagement teams and community-based surveillance volunteers.
The volunteers are also helping communities access accurate information and report alerts through established channels, while working with health officials at points of entry on screening and infection prevention.
The statement comes after the Ministry of Health confirmed Kenya’s first imported Ebola case on Tuesday. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the patient was a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo for seven years and had travelled to Nairobi through Uganda. The patient later died while receiving treatment in Nairobi.
Public urged to remain vigilant
Kenya Red Cross has urged members of the public to remain vigilant but avoid panic, stressing the importance of relying on information from the Ministry of Health and other designated authorities.
The organisation said people experiencing symptoms including sudden fever, weakness, vomiting or unexplained bleeding, particularly those with a recent history of travel to Ebola-affected areas or contact with a sick person, should seek medical attention immediately.
Suspected cases can be reported through the Ministry of Health toll-free line 719 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.
The organisation also appealed to the public to show compassion towards affected families and communities and avoid stigma.
The Ministry of Health has heightened surveillance at border points and is tracing people who may have come into contact with the patient. According to the latest official and wire reports, 28 contacts had been identified, while 23 passengers who travelled on the same flight from Uganda were being traced.
Kenya Red Cross reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Government throughout the response.
About the Author
