The Ministry of Health announced a ban on moving the bodies of individuals who die from Ebola disease outside Kenya, as stipulated in a Gazette notice dated 12 October 2026.

Transport of bodies within Kenya is now subject to approval by the medical officer of health, who must ensure the conveyance meets infection‑prevention standards.

The medical officer of health must assess each death involving suspected or confirmed Ebola, decide if post‑mortem specimen collection and testing are required, and arrange such procedures where indicated.

The medical officer of health is also tasked with decontaminating premises and equipment used during handling, disposing of contaminated waste safely, and monitoring any personnel exposed in the process.

If diagnostic testing excludes Ebola, the officer must lift the disease‑specific restrictions and inform the person responsible for the body.

When Ebola is confirmed or remains a concern, burial must proceed without undue delay at a site deemed suitable on public‑health grounds and authorised under law, with required death registration and burial permits.

Officials must consult the deceased’s next of kin, where known, on burial arrangements; families may observe religious or cultural practices provided they do not compromise infection‑prevention measures.

For unidentified or unclaimed bodies, the medical officer must work with relevant authorities to establish identity, locate relatives and preserve records before burial, ensuring the grave is identifiable and its location communicated to any next of kin.