By JAMES GICHIGI
Passengers from affected countries to be screened at designated gate as Kenya steps up surveillance
The government has designated a special arrival gate at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for travellers arriving from countries considered to be at high risk of Ebola transmission.
Public Health PS Mary Muthoni said the move forms part of enhanced surveillance measures rolled out at the country's main international gateway following Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Speaking after a tour of JKIA, Muthoni said the border management team stationed at the airport has stepped up monitoring at all six international arrival gates.
“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,” she said.
According to the PS, an isolation centre staffed by port health officials has been established at the gate to ensure rapid response in the event a suspected Ebola case is detected.
Isolation points have also been set up to enhance preparedness and facilitate immediate assessment of travellers who may present symptoms associated with the disease.
As part of the strengthened screening process, all travellers entering Kenya are now required to complete online self-check forms providing details of their travel history and current health status.
Health officials say the information will help authorities identify potential risks early and improve monitoring of passengers arriving from affected regions.
Kenya has also adopted advanced disease surveillance measures through genomic sequencing.
Port health authorities are collecting and testing waste samples from all aircraft arriving at JKIA, both domestic and international, through national laboratories.
Officials say the testing enables health authorities to detect disease patterns and identify potential threats, including Ebola, before they spread within the country.
The samples are stored at the port health clinic under controlled conditions before undergoing analysis.
Muthoni sought to reassure the public that Kenya has not recorded any Ebola cases and urged citizens to rely on information issued by the Ministry of Health.
The PS also allayed fears that the country has any cases of the dreaded virus, insisting that the Government has put in place stringent containment measures
She warned against the spread of misinformation online, calling on Kenyans to rely on accurate information coming from the Ministry of Health.
The PS said quarantine facilities have also been established as part of the country's preparedness measures, with severe or suspected cases set to be referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised management.
She further called for a multi-agency approach in safeguarding the country's borders, saying surveillance efforts require cooperation among all agencies operating at points of entry.
According to Muthoni, the Ministry of Health is maintaining close oversight of all entry points across the country and has adopted a whole-of-government approach to preparedness.
"Avoid unnecessary travel to those countries that have reported cases. If possible, wait until the situation stabilises before making the trip," she cautioned.
Airport personnel and border officials have also undergone sensitisation on Ebola symptoms and response procedures, while authorities continue to work closely with airlines and affected countries to obtain passenger health information and exit screening reports.
The government says the enhanced measures are aimed at ensuring Kenya remains vigilant and prepared against Ebola and other diseases of public health concern. The Star
