The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives) has urged the government to ensure that the safety and welfare of healthcare workers and the public remain the highest priority in all international health arrangements, amid plans to establish facilities for handling Ebola-exposed foreign nationals.
In a letter dated May 29, 2026, addressed to the Ministry of Health, KNUNM expressed concern over proposals to accommodate Ebola-exposed individuals in Kenya, warning that the country’s health system is not adequately prepared to safely manage such high-risk infectious cases.
“While appreciating these partnerships, the Union strongly expresses concern over any plans to establish facilities for handling or accommodating Ebola-exposed foreign nationals in Kenya under the current state of our healthcare system,” the letter reads.
KNUNM said Kenya’s public health system continues to face serious structural challenges that could compromise safe response to highly infectious diseases such as Ebola. It cited inadequate isolation facilities, limited intensive care capacity, shortages of essential medical equipment, and an overstretched and understaffed nursing workforce.
The union also raised concern over insufficient health risk allowances, weak occupational safety protections, and inadequate insurance coverage for healthcare workers exposed to infectious disease risks.
“The Union firmly believes that the safety and welfare of Kenyan healthcare workers and the public must remain the highest priority in all international health arrangements and collaborations,” KNUNM stated.
While noting the importance of international cooperation in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, medical training, research, and humanitarian response, the union said such cooperation must not compromise the safety of health workers or the public.
“Before Kenya can undertake responsibilities involving the management of high-risk international infectious exposures, there must be substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure, staff training, emergency preparedness systems, insurance coverage, protective equipment, and improved welfare for frontline healthcare workers,” the union said.
It called for comprehensive stakeholder consultation before any decision is made, alongside full transparency on safety protocols, preparedness measures, and any related international agreements.
The union further urged the government to strengthen the health system through improved isolation facilities, enhanced emergency response capacity, and expanded laboratory services.
It also called for improved health risk allowances, stronger insurance protection, and better occupational safety measures for frontline healthcare workers.
KNUNM said Kenya’s engagement in global health cooperation should be matched by sustained investment in the health sector to ensure preparedness, resilience, and protection for both health workers and the public.
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