President William Ruto on Thursday, May 28, held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the ongoing Ebola outbreak and measures aimed at strengthening Kenya’s preparedness against the disease.
According to a statement issued by US Department of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the discussions focused on coordinated efforts between Kenya and the United States to secure critical medical supplies and ensure the country’s health system remains adequately prepared to respond to any potential Ebola cases.
During the talks, Rubio informed President Ruto that the United States government intends to commit Ksh1.74 billion ($13.5 million) toward Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts.
Kenya set to receive Ksh1.74 billion US support for Ebola preparedness. Photo: Courtesy.
The funding is expected to support initiatives aimed at enhancing disease surveillance, emergency response capacity, and overall public health readiness.
The US also reaffirmed its broader commitment to supporting the regional response to the outbreak, noting that it has already provided substantial bilateral assistance to countries affected by or at risk from the disease.
The two leaders further agreed to maintain close coordination as the situation continues to evolve.
They emphasized the importance of the long-standing health partnership between Kenya and the United States, which has played a significant role in addressing major public health challenges in Kenya and across the East African region.
The discussion comes amid growing concern over the spread of Ebola in parts of East Africa, prompting governments to intensify surveillance and preparedness measures to prevent cross-border transmission.
Meanwhile, President Ruto announced that the Kenyan government will establish a National Response Committee to coordinate the country’s preparedness and response efforts.
The committee will be led by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi.
According to the President, the committee will oversee a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to Ebola preparedness, including strengthening public awareness campaigns, enhancing emergency response mechanisms, coordinating stakeholders, and mobilising the technical and financial resources required to address any eventualities arising from the outbreak.
The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure Kenya remains prepared and capable of responding swiftly should the disease pose a threat within its borders.
Authorities have continued to urge vigilance while assuring the public that preventive measures are being strengthened across the country.
