Health CS Aden Duale has challenged Saudi Arabia’s Ebola-related restrictions on travellers from Kenya.
Health CS Aden Duale says Kenya has contained infections within one cluster and urges Saudi Arabia to reconsider its travel and visa restrictions.
Kenya has challenged Saudi travel restrictions imposed following the Ebola outbreak, arguing that the measures exceed the public health risk. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the country’s current disease situation did not justify the restrictions.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 31, Duale defended Kenya’s containment efforts. He said health teams had traced all 135 contacts linked to the imported case, with 118 under quarantine.
Saudi travel restrictions cover visas and entry
Saudi Arabia suspended travel by its citizens to Kenya and stopped issuing all visa categories to travellers from Kenya. It also barred entry to people arriving from Kenya, including those travelling through other countries.
The Kingdom said its public health authorities had assessed the situation before introducing the measures. It said the restrictions aimed to prevent the virus from spreading across its borders.
However, Duale described the response as excessive and inconsistent with Kenya’s current outbreak situation. He called for international cooperation and support rather than travel limitations and isolation.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs will continue engaging Saudi Arabia over the restrictions, Duale said.
Kenya reports progress in Ebola containment
Duale said confirmed infections connected to the initial case remained within the same cluster. He also said there was no evidence of wider community transmission and no new infections since October 19.
By October 26, Kenya had recorded nine confirmed infections and two deaths. In response, authorities intensified contact tracing, testing, surveillance and screening at entry points.
Seven patients remained under treatment, Duale said. However, five had completed treatment and recorded their first negative Ebola tests. They were awaiting a second test scheduled for November 2.
The ministry said the five patients could leave hospital on November 3, alongside 46 quarantined contacts who had shown no symptoms. A further 20 people had already left quarantine.
