Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has urged the government to strengthen the country’s preparedness against Ebola, warning that Kenya remains highly exposed due to its strategic position within the regional transport corridor.
In a statement shared online, the outspoken lawmaker noted that Kenya’s connection to neighbouring countries, especially through the Mombasa port route linking East Africa to the Democratic Republic of Congo, increases the risk of possible infections entering the country.
“Kenya is alongside other countries that are exposed to Ebola disease in our region. We must be prepared for it to prevent any infections in the near future that might cost lives in Kenya,” Cherargei said.
The senator emphasized the need for robust screening systems and quarantine centres to help avert a potential outbreak and safeguard public health.
“Kenya is on the corridor of transport that links Mombasa port to Congo which means Kenya is exposed more to this disease therefore we must have robust screening and quarantine centres to avert the pandemic,” he added.
Cherargei also supported proposals by international partners, including the United States, to establish regional screening and quarantine facilities in Kenya, saying such initiatives would boost the country’s healthcare capacity while creating employment opportunities.
“If the USA and other partners want to establish a regional screening and quarantine centre so be it. It will allow Kenya to be an excellent regional centre on communicable diseases and allow Kenyans job opportunities and advancement of medicine in Kenya,” he stated.
The senator further lamented what he termed as political interference that previously hindered efforts by the World Health Organization to establish a regional medical facility at World Health Organization-linked projects at Kenyatta University.
