Kenya ready for any Ebola threat, Interior PS Omollo assures public

The government has assured Kenyans that robust measures have been put in place to prevent and respond to any potential Ebola outbreak, amid heightened surveillance at the country's border entry points.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the Taveta-Holili One Stop Border Post on Saturday, Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo said authorities have strengthened screening, surveillance and emergency response systems to safeguard public health and national security.

Dr. Omollo said the government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, county governments and border management agencies, is closely monitoring developments in the region and has intensified preparedness efforts at all points of entry and exit.

"What we have done as a nation, working with all our officers at our points of entry and exit, is to ensure that we are adequately prepared to handle and deal with any case should it arise," Omollo said.

He noted that isolation facilities have already been established while emergency response mechanisms have been activated to ensure rapid detection and management of any suspected Ebola cases.

Border officials, he added, continue to screen and monitor travellers in coordination with public health teams.

The assurance comes amid growing concerns across East Africa following reports of Ebola outbreaks in parts of the region, prompting governments to strengthen disease surveillance and response systems.

During the visit, the PS also received a briefing from security and border management agencies on challenges affecting the Kenya-Tanzania border, including the smuggling of ethanol, entry of counterfeit goods and other forms of illegal cross-border trade.

He directed agencies operating at the border to enhance surveillance, improve inter-agency coordination and strictly enforce laws governing trade and movement across the border.

"We must continuously strengthen the capacity of officers working at border points to effectively address emerging security, health and economic threats," he said.

Dr. Omollo later met National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), commending them for their role in maintaining security and implementing government programmes at the grassroots level.

He reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening the administrative cadre through enhanced training, improved facilitation and operational support, noting that President William Ruto remains committed to ensuring chiefs, assistant chiefs and other NGAO officers are adequately equipped to serve wananchi.

The PS also engaged village elders from Taveta Constituency, urging them to continue supporting government initiatives in security, healthcare, education and community development.

Education featured prominently during the visit, with Dr. Omollo attending activities at Lesesia School and presiding over a prize-giving ceremony at Sowene Secondary School.

He described education as a critical investment in national development and urged parents to actively support their children's learning and discipline.

He further called for the protection of school infrastructure, warning that incidents of arson and destruction of property undermine learning and divert resources that could otherwise improve educational outcomes.

On land issues, the PS urged residents to pursue peaceful and lawful resolution of disputes while respecting both public and private property.

He said national and county governments were working together to address longstanding land challenges affecting communities in the region.

The visit concluded with inspections of ongoing development projects, including the Affordable Housing Programme in Taveta.

Dr. Omollo said continued investments in roads, healthcare, housing, markets, irrigation and education are intended to improve livelihoods and create economic opportunities for residents.

He was accompanied by Taveta MP John Bwire, Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek, senior government officials, security officers and local leaders.