Gov't designates JKIA Gate 16 for high-risk Ebola arrivals

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced the measures following an assessment tour of JKIA, where she evaluated the country's readiness to detect and respond to Ebola and other emerging public health threats.

According to the Ministry of Health, Gate 16 at JKIA has been designated for passengers arriving from countries considered to be at high risk of Ebola transmission, particularly following outbreaks reported in parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"The border management team domiciled at the airport has increased surveillance at the six international arrivals gates, with Gate 16 now designated for passengers coming from high-risk countries," Muthoni said.

The PS said the move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen surveillance and public health security at Kenya's busiest port of entry.

An isolation centre staffed by port health officials has been established at the designated gate to facilitate rapid response should a suspected Ebola case be identified.

Additional isolation points have also been set up across the airport to support immediate assessment and management of travellers displaying symptoms associated with the disease.

During the inspection, Muthoni reviewed passenger screening procedures, thermal scanning systems, laboratory preparedness, aircraft and wastewater surveillance programmes, and emergency response coordination mechanisms.

The Ministry of Health said Kenya remains free of confirmed Ebola cases but continues to maintain a high level of alertness through enhanced screening at points of entry, deployment of additional health personnel, expanded laboratory capacity and strengthened surveillance across air, sea and land borders.

As part of the strengthened screening protocols, all travellers arriving in Kenya are now required to complete online self-reporting forms detailing their travel history and current health status.

Health officials stated that the information will help identify potential risks early and improve monitoring of passengers arriving from affected regions.

In a further boost to disease surveillance efforts, the government has adopted genomic sequencing and wastewater testing of aircraft arriving at JKIA. Port health authorities are collecting samples from both domestic and international flights for analysis at national laboratories.

Officials noted that the testing helps detect disease patterns and identify potential threats, including Ebola, before they spread within the country. Samples are stored under controlled conditions at the port health clinic before being subjected to laboratory analysis.

Muthoni also revealed that quarantine facilities have been established as part of the country's preparedness strategy, while severe or suspected cases would be referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised treatment and management.

She commended frontline health workers and port health officers for their vigilance and dedication in safeguarding public health.

The Principal Secretary further called for a whole-of-government and multi-agency approach to border health security, noting that effective disease surveillance requires collaboration among all agencies operating at points of entry.

Muthoni urged Kenyans to remain vigilant, practise proper hand hygiene, seek medical attention when unwell and rely on official Ministry of Health communication channels for accurate information.

She also cautioned against non-essential travel to countries experiencing Ebola outbreaks.

"Avoid unnecessary travel to those countries that have reported cases. If possible, wait until the situation stabilises before making the trip."

The government has also sensitised airport personnel and border officials on Ebola symptoms and response procedures and is working closely with airlines and affected countries to obtain passenger health information and exit screening reports.