The Government has urged Kenyans to remain calm and rely on official information as health authorities intensify measures to contain the Ebola virus disease following confirmation of the country’s first imported case.
Principal Secretary for Basic Education John Olutuaa and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris spoke about the developing Ebola situation on the sidelines of the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) 2026 conference, where they also discussed preparations for national examinations and efforts to improve inclusion of learners with disabilities.
Olutuaa said the Government was monitoring the situation closely and that the Ministry of Health remained the lead agency in handling matters relating to Ebola surveillance, isolation, testing and response.
He urged parents, teachers and learners not to panic, saying the education system would continue operating while the relevant health authorities dealt with any emerging public health concerns.
“Preparations for the national exams are going on very well,” Olutuaa said, noting that the Government had already put systems in place for the administration of the examinations.
He said education officials were being briefed at sub-county level as part of preparations to ensure the examinations proceed smoothly.
Olutuaa said any health-related concerns arising during the examination period would be handled in coordination with the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies.
“The Ministry of Health is totally in charge to ensure that any issues that are reported that may need expertise, that may need close monitoring will obviously be done through the Ministry of Health and all other related agencies,” he said.
The PS called on parents and teachers to continue preparing learners for the national assessments and examinations, while encouraging students to concentrate on revision.
He also commended teachers and parents for their role in preparing candidates for the examination season.
Passaris calls for responsible Ebola reportingPassaris, meanwhile, called for responsible media reporting on Ebola, warning against sensational coverage that could create unnecessary fear among Kenyans.
She said Kenya’s geographical position and extensive movement of people across borders meant the country needed to maintain strong surveillance and preparedness.
Passaris noted that people travelling from countries affected by Ebola may not necessarily display symptoms immediately, making border surveillance and early detection important.
She cited the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda among countries that have dealt with Ebola and said cross-border movement could increase the risk of imported cases.
“What I want to say is don’t panic. At the end of the day, I’m sure we will bring it under control and deal with anybody who might have contracted it,” Passaris said.
She said she was confident in Kenya’s preparedness, pointing to border surveillance and testing measures being undertaken by the Government.Passaris, however, urged journalists to seek information from the Ministry of Health and avoid spreading unverified information.
“The media should follow up the story. Let’s not sensationalize. Let’s just make sure that we don’t create a panic,” she said.
Her remarks came as the Ministry of Health moved to respond to the confirmed imported case. According to the latest reports, the patient had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi, prompting health authorities to trace people who may have been exposed.
Kenya had previously strengthened its Ebola preparedness through border screening, surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and the establishment of response structures in anticipation of possible imported cases.
Government reassures candidates over examinations
Olutuaa said the Ebola situation should not distract candidates from preparing for their examinations.
He said the Government had already launched the examination season and was conducting briefings for education officials who will oversee the exercise at the sub-county level.
He urged candidates to revise and remain focused while parents and teachers continue supporting them.
“I want to call upon the children as they prepare for the national assessment and the national exams, let them revise, let them be ready. And I am very sure they will do very well,” he said.
Focus on inclusive education
The two leaders were speaking during the KISE conference, which focused on advancing disability inclusion through assistive technology and innovation.
Olutuaa said the Government was committed to ensuring learners with disabilities receive the support necessary to participate fully in education.
He said KISE has a central role in coordinating efforts aimed at improving special-needs education in collaboration with the Department of Special Needs Education and other stakeholders.
The PS said the Government was investing in assistive devices, teaching and learning materials, infrastructure and other interventions designed to make learning institutions more accessible.
He noted that construction of classrooms and other education facilities was increasingly taking into account the needs of learners with disabilities, including through the provision of ramps and other accessibility features.
Olutuaa also highlighted the establishment of a facility at KISE for the production of assistive devices.
He said the Government had provided funding for the facility, which is already operational, and that arrangements were underway for its official opening.
The PS commended KISE Chief Executive Officer Dr. Norman and the institution’s council for their work in developing the facility and advancing assistive technology.
He said local production of assistive devices would strengthen the country’s ability to meet the needs of learners with disabilities.
Passaris backs assistive technology
Passaris, who was also present at the conference, was commended by Olutuaa for her continued support for education and learners with special needs.
The conference brought together parents, learners, development partners, Ministry of Education officials and other stakeholders to examine progress made in promoting inclusive education.
The discussions focused on how assistive technology can enable learners with disabilities to overcome barriers to education and participate more effectively in society.
Olutuaa said the Government would continue working with institutions such as KISE to ensure that learners with different forms of disability are not left behind.
He said the objective was not only to provide learners with education but also to equip them with the tools and environment necessary to participate fully in society.
The conference comes at a time when the Government is simultaneously preparing for the national examination season and responding to a new public health challenge.
Olutuaa said the two processes can proceed concurrently, with education authorities working closely with health agencies should any situation arise requiring intervention.
He appealed to Kenyans to remain vigilant but avoid panic, saying official information from the Ministry of Health should guide the public response to Ebola.
The Ministry of Health has previously emphasized surveillance, border screening, laboratory capacity, isolation facilities and rapid response as key components of Kenya’s Ebola preparedness.