The Ministry of Health has criticized measures taken by Saudi Arabia in response to Kenya’s Ebola outbreak, describing them as excessive and unsupported by the country’s current epidemiological situation.

In a statement, signed by the Health Cabinet Secretary (CS), Aden Duale, Kenya had contained the outbreak within a single cluster linked to an imported index case, with no evidence of community transmission.

He noted that all 135 contacts associated with the index case, had been identified and traced, while 118 had been placed under quarantine.

The eight confirmed cases were all linked to the index case, comprising four healthcare workers and four close family members.

“Kenya has not reported a new case since October 19, 2026,” Duale said in the statement.

The country has recorded two deaths, including the index case, while the seven remaining patients are recovering under care.

Five of the patients have tested negative for Ebola following treatment and are awaiting a second test scheduled for Monday, November 2.

The CS has expressed optimism that the patients would be discharged on Tuesday, November 3, alongside 46 contacts who remain under quarantine, but have not developed symptoms. This would bring the number of contacts released from quarantine to 66, including 20 released earlier.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs will continue engaging Saudi Arabia on the measures even as the government calls on the international community to support Kenya’s response through collaboration rather than condemnation, travel restrictions or isolation.

Duale thanked Kenyans for their solidarity, saying the country had demonstrated leadership and transparency in managing the outbreak.

Saudi Arabia had announced a suspension of travel by its citizens to Kenya, halting the issuance of all visa categories to travellers from the country and barred entry into the Kingdom for people arriving from Kenya, including those transiting through other countries.

By Wangari Ndirangu