By Robert Mutasi 
Uasin Gishu County has been placed among Kenya’s highest-risk regions for a potential Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak, prompting heightened surveillance and preparedness measures even as health authorities confirm that no cases have been detected in the country.
The latest national risk assessment released by the Ministry of Health identifies Uasin Gishu as one of 12 counties categorized as “very high risk” due to factors including population movement, transport connectivity, and proximity to major transit corridors. The classification places the county alongside Nairobi, Mombasa, Busia, Kisumu, Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia, Siaya, West Pokot, Turkana, Homabay, and Migori.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced that Kenya remains Ebola-free as of May 30, 2026, despite increased surveillance across the country. She revealed that 18 samples linked to Ebola alerts had been collected and tested from various counties, including Uasin Gishu, Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyamira, West Pokot, and Kisumu. All samples returned negative results.
While the negative results offer reassurance to residents of Uasin Gishu, health officials have emphasized that the county’s classification as a very high-risk zone requires continued vigilance.
Uasin Gishu, home to the rapidly growing Eldoret City, serves as a major economic and transportation hub in the North Rift region. Thousands of travelers pass through the county daily via road and air networks, increasing the potential risk of infectious disease transmission should an outbreak occur in neighboring regions.
Health experts note that the county’s strategic position as a gateway linking western Kenya, the Rift Valley, and neighboring countries makes robust disease surveillance essential. Authorities have already intensified screening, monitoring, and public awareness campaigns to ensure that any suspected cases are detected and isolated promptly.
The Ministry of Health has designated four laboratories across the country to support Ebola testing. These include the National Public Health Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu, and a mobile laboratory stationed in Busia. The facilities are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring rapid testing and response should any suspected cases emerge.
The announcement comes amid growing concern across East Africa following Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of the region in recent years. Although Kenya has not recorded a confirmed Ebola case during the current period of heightened surveillance, health officials remain cautious due to cross-border movement and international travel.
County health officials in Uasin Gishu have urged residents not to panic but to remain alert and observe public health guidelines. Residents have been encouraged to report individuals exhibiting symptoms associated with Ebola, including high fever, severe weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained bleeding, and intense headaches.
Medical professionals have also advised members of the public to maintain proper hygiene practices, avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of sick individuals, and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms consistent with the disease.
The Ministry of Health reiterated that preparedness remains the country’s strongest defense against a potential outbreak. Authorities are continuing to train healthcare workers, strengthen emergency response systems, and enhance surveillance at entry points and health facilities.
For Uasin Gishu residents, the county’s inclusion among the highest-risk zones serves as a reminder that while no Ebola cases have been confirmed, prevention and early detection remain critical in protecting public health and safeguarding Eldoret’s growing status as one of Kenya’s leading economic centers.