Ebola Alert: Hotel Meetings, Conferences Suspended

The Ministry of Health has suspended all meetings, seminars and conferences scheduled in hotels as Kenya intensifies its response to the imported Bundibugyo Ebola case confirmed on October 6, 2026.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni issued the directive in a memo dated Wednesday, October 7, ordering all heads of directorates, divisions and programmes to halt hotel-based gatherings immediately until further notice.

Speaking during an exclusive media interview on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Muthoni said the government was strengthening surveillance and preparing for possible developments following the confirmation of the infection.

“Following confirmation of an imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease, the State Department is prioritising emergency preparedness, contact tracing and response measures,” the memo stated.

The directive requires ministry departments seeking exemptions to obtain prior approval from the PS’s office, as health officials step up measures to contain the risk of further transmission.

Kenya steps up Ebola surveillance and contact tracing

Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease on Tuesday, October 6, after a Kenyan who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) died after being admitted to Nairobi Hospital.

The patient reportedly fell ill about a month before travelling from the DRC through Uganda to Nairobi. He arrived in the capital on Saturday, October 3, before being taken to Nairobi Hospital for treatment.

Following confirmation of the case, health officials launched contact tracing to identify people who may have interacted with the patient. An initial 57 contacts had been identified for follow-up.

The government has also introduced additional health precautions at State House. On Friday, October 9, Cabinet Secretaries were seen sanitising their hands before attending a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto.

Earlier in the week, guests attending a National Industrial Training Authority graduation ceremony at State House underwent health screening conducted by Nairobi City County health officials.

The suspension of hotel-based meetings adds to the preventive measures being implemented as the Ministry of Health prioritises emergency preparedness, surveillance and contact tracing.

The directive will remain in force until further notice, with any exemptions subject to approval by the Public Health Principal Secretary’s office.