Kenya has tested 196 suspected cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), with all samples returning negative, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Health.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni confirmed on August 16, 2026, that these tests were conducted at the National Virology Reference Laboratory and partner facilities. This comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to fight a severe Ebola outbreak that has claimed more than 2,000 lives.

Ongoing Ebola Crisis in the DRC

The outbreak, declared in May 2026 in the Bundibugyo region, has resulted in over 4,660 reported cases across six provinces, with Ituri Province as the epicenter. The death toll stands at 2,184, representing nearly 47% of infections.

Neighboring Uganda has also reported 20 cases, raising concerns about the potential for wider regional transmission.

International Response and Challenges

  • The United Nations has allocated an additional $30.5 million to support response efforts in the DRC and surrounding countries, supplementing $24 million previously released.
  • UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher emphasized the urgent need to scale up interventions, warning that Ebola is outpacing current containment efforts.
  • The World Food Programme (WFP) has supplied over 260,000 hot meals to patients and affected communities in key provinces since late May.
  • Conflict in eastern DRC, particularly involving the Congolese military and the M23 militia, complicates humanitarian operations and exacerbates malnutrition, with 2.6 million people severely food insecure.

Kenya’s Vigilance Amid Regional Threat

Despite the regional risks, Kenya’s health authorities continue rigorous surveillance and testing to detect any potential Ebola cases early and prevent spread within the country.

Mary Muthoni reassured the public that all tested cases to date have been negative, underscoring Kenya’s preparedness and commitment to public health safety.

As the DRC outbreak unfolds, international agencies call for enhanced solidarity, increased resources, and faster action to contain the virus and support affected populations.