According to a report by The Star published on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Duale said Kenya would not hold foreign travellers to complete quarantine periods required by their home countries or other destinations.
Speaking during an update on the country's Ebola response, the CS also announced that the Ministry of Health would not issue quarantine certificates or Ebola-free documents for international travel.
He argued that such certificates had no basis under the International Health Regulations.
Duale challenges foreign travel restrictions
The CS also criticised countries that have imposed travel and visa restrictions on Kenyan travellers following the Ebola outbreak.
He called on the affected jurisdictions to review and lift the measures, arguing that Kenya had been transparent in reporting infections and sharing public health information.
Duale maintained that Kenya had no patient under treatment, no contacts remaining in quarantine and no community transmission at the time of his announcement.
He further insisted that the country remained open for business, tourism, trade and travel.
Kenya begins 42-day Ebola monitoring period
The announcement came after the Ministry of Health discharged the last patient receiving treatment for Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease.
The final group of 11 contacts also completed its monitoring period and was released.
Kenya subsequently began a 42-day countdown on November 12, 2026. If no new infections are recorded during this period, the country is expected to be declared free of the outbreak on December 23.
However, Duale warned that the countdown would not mean the government was ending its response.
Health authorities will continue screening travellers at points of entry, investigating suspected cases and monitoring communities and health facilities.
What the announcement means for travellers
Duale's position means foreign governments cannot expect Kenya to hold their citizens for quarantine simply to satisfy their travel requirements.
It also means travellers will not receive Ebola-free or quarantine certificates from Kenya's Ministry of Health for that purpose.
Meanwhile, Kenyans affected by foreign travel restrictions may have to wait for the respective governments to review their policies.
For now, Kenya says it will maintain disease surveillance while protecting normal movement, trade and tourism within the country.
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