H.E. President William Ruto has today commissioned the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Yatta Campus in Machakos County, opening a new chapter in the expansion of medical training opportunities and the development of Kenya’s health workforce. The campus established in 2014 began training in April 2025 and has grown from two programmes to four, covering health care support, emergency medical services, orthopaedic and trauma medicine, and mortuary science. To accommodate more trainees and improve the learning environment, the President announced plans for the construction of 10 additional classrooms and student hostels. The expansion of KMTC Yatta Campus will increase capacity for training health professionals and support the Government’s broader efforts to build a competent and adequate health workforce to meet the healthcare needs of Kenyans.

Happy Birthday to me! Reflecting on another year of life, growth, and continuous purpose. Grateful for the lessons learned, the milestones achieved, and the opportunity to serve and connect with so many incredible people along the way. Here’s to new chapters, sound health, renewed vigor, and continuing to make every day count.

Another year around the sun—and what a journey it’s been. Birthdays have a quiet way of pulling us out of the daily rush, forcing us to pause, breathe, and actually look back at the ground we’ve covered. When I look back on this past year, the story isn't just about the milestones reached or the big titles held; it’s about the quiet resilience, the early mornings, the tough calls, and the heart I have poured into everything I do. I have carried heavy responsibilities, led with purpose, and shown up for communities, my family, and myself—even on the days when the weight was invisible to everyone else. Taking a moment today to pause, reflect, and just breathe it all in. Looking back on this past year, I’m reminded of how much love, resilience, and grace have carried me through every single season. Thankful for the lessons that grew me, the laughter that sustained me, and the wonderful people—my family, friends, and support system—who make life so rich and beautiful. Ready for all that this next chapter holds. Happy Birthday to me…. Maria

A great milestone in Kenya’s Ebola response as first 20 contacts have completed the 21-day monitoring period and are returning home in good health! While this is encouraging news, we must remain vigilant as the response continues until the outbreak is officially declared over. Dial 719 to give or receive infy on Ebola. Together, we will contain the spread. #EbolaAlertKe

Early detection and prompt reporting are critical in the fight against Ebola. Early Ebola symptoms can resemble malaria and other common illnesses and may appear 2–21 days after exposure. Symptoms alone cannot confirm Ebola, but if you have had a possible exposure and develop symptoms, seek immediate medical assessment. 📞 For support, call 719. Do not ignore symptoms. Do not delay seeking care. Early action saves lives. #EbolaAlertKE

H.E. President William Ruto has today presided over the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of student hostels at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Campus in Kitui Central, Kitui County, marking a significant step towards improving student accommodation and strengthening health workforce training infrastructure. The KSh220 million project will provide accommodation for 580 students, complementing the existing facilities and supporting the training of health professionals. The investment comes at a time when the Government is prioritising the strengthening of Human Resources for Health as a critical pillar of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), recognising that an adequately trained health workforce is essential to delivering quality healthcare. Expanding training infrastructure through institutions such as KMTC remains central to building a sustainable pipeline of health workers capable of meeting the country’s evolving healthcare needs and advancing Universal Health Coverage.

Genesis 1:1–14 reminds us of God’s providence, how He established order and prepared what was necessary for life even before humanity came into being. It is a powerful reminder of His wisdom, provision and faithfulness. Today, I joined H.E. President William Ruto and other leaders for a prayer service at AIC Kasina in Mwingi, Kitui County, as we reflected on the importance of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in serving our nation and improving the wellbeing of our people.

The Government is expanding road networks in Ukambani through major infrastructure investments aimed at improving connectivity and unlocking the region’s economic potential. In Machakos County, 10 new roads are being developed at a cost of KSh21 billion, while Makueni County is set to benefit from seven roads spanning 180 kilometres at a cost of KSh16 billion. The Government is also reviving the stalled Kilungu Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) project in Nunguni, Makueni County. The project, which had stagnated for six years, is expected to strengthen training infrastructure and expand opportunities for the training of health professionals. Joined H.E. President William Ruto and other leaders during his Ukambani region tour, which included engagements on infrastructure development and improved access to essential services.

The Ministry of Health urges building owners, developers and property managers to strictly comply with approved building plans, construction standards and safety regulations. Regular structural inspections, timely correction of defects and avoidance of unauthorised alterations are essential to safeguarding lives and preventing tragedies such as the Eastleigh building collapse. We remain committed to working with national and county authorities, emergency responders and partners, including the Kenya Red Cross, to support affected families through emergency medical care and psychosocial support. We call for collective responsibility in upholding building safety standards to protect lives and communities.

I am honoured to have been appointed Chair of Continental Immunization Task Force 4 by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). This appointment represents an opportunity for our country to contribute to shaping Africa’s immunisation agenda and accelerate the implementation of the Continental Immunization Strategy 2026–2030. Our focus will be on aligning partnerships with national priorities, promoting sustainable immunisation financing, addressing barriers to vaccine access and strengthening accountability for results. I express my sincere gratitude to Africa CDC Director-General, H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, for the confidence entrusted to me and looking forward to working with AU Member States, Africa CDC and partners to advance equitable access to immunisation and strengthen public health systems across our continent.

We held a consultative meeting with Egypt’s Cleopatra Hospitals Group led by Chief Executive officer Dr. Ahmed Ezz Eldiin, to explore potential areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening Kenya’s health system. Discussions focused on standardising healthcare quality and patient safety, digital health and hospital information systems, healthcare workforce training, modernisation of public health facilities, and investment in medical technology and bed capacity. The engagement also explored opportunities for knowledge exchange in hospital management, regulatory alignment and public-private partnerships to expand access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved counties. The Ministry is committed to strategic partnerships and leveraging shared expertise to strengthen healthcare delivery and advance Universal Health Coverage in Kenya.

The 8th National Ebola Taskforce convened today to review progress and strengthen Kenya’s response to Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD). Kenya has recorded 9 confirmed cases, including one death, with eight patients currently receiving treatment. All 135 contacts linked to the initial case have been traced, and there is no evidence of community transmission. Encouragingly, the 14 samples tested from alerts across the country in the last 24 hours were all negative. We reviewed surveillance, case management, isolation facilities, essential supplies and resource mobilisation to sustain these gains. Enhanced screening and monitoring continue, with the first eligible contacts expected to complete their 21-day monitoring period and return home from Sunday, 25 October. Through a coordinated whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, we remain committed to containing the outbreak and protecting all Kenyans. #EbolaAlertKe

Today, I joined other health leaders and stakeholders at the ongoing Trust Summit 2026, Nairobi Dialogue on Global Trust, for a Public Health Baraza session on strengthening global health cooperation and collective public health security. Drawing on Kenya’s experience in responding to Bundibugyo Virus Disease, I emphasised the importance of transparency, timely communication and coordinated action in building public confidence and trust. I’ve also called for countries that report outbreaks promptly and honestly to receive support, not sanctions, noting that international solidarity is essential in responding to cross-border public health threats. As the Ministry of Health we continue to follow WHO guidance on strengthening surveillance, contact tracing and public awareness while keeping travel and trade open.

What precautions can you take to protect yourself and your loved ones against Ebola? Learn the key preventive measures in this clip and share to help keep our communities safe. Call toll free number 719 to receive or give information on Ebola. #EbolaAlertKe