Duale Warns Against Fake Tenders in Ebola Response

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has warned that individuals seeking to profit from Kenya’s Ebola response through fraudulent tenders will face no tolerance under his leadership. He has pledged to strengthen accountability and protect public resources during health emergencies.

Duale issued the warning on Thursday, October 22, 2026, amid concerns about the management of emergency response funds. He said the government must ensure that money intended to protect lives does not become a source of personal enrichment.

“I want to tell the nation that there will be no Ebola billionaires under my leadership,” Duale declared. He linked his position to the suffering Kenyan families experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many people lost loved ones.

The CS accused some individuals of exploiting national tragedies to accumulate wealth while ordinary citizens suffered. He alleged that people had stolen public resources as families mourned relatives who died during the pandemic.

Duale Warns Tender Seekers Against Fraud

Duale said his administration would not tolerate attempts to manipulate procurement processes within the Ministry of Health. He specifically warned individuals against seeking fraudulent contracts through Afya House, the ministry’s headquarters.

“That will never happen under my leadership as the Minister for Health,” he said. He added a warning in Swahili against anyone attempting to manoeuvre their way into securing fraudulent tenders.

The remarks place procurement oversight at the centre of Kenya’s efforts to strengthen its Ebola preparedness. Emergency funding must support essential activities, including disease surveillance, medical supplies and protection for frontline health workers.

Public health emergencies often require rapid government action and the deployment of substantial resources. Strong procurement controls and transparent spending records are therefore important in preventing waste and detecting potential wrongdoing.

Duale’s warning signals the ministry’s intention to prioritise accountability during the response. However, the effectiveness of that commitment will depend on how contracts are awarded, monitored and investigated when irregularities emerge.

CS Dismisses Claims of KSh70 Billion Ebola Allocation

Duale also disputed reports suggesting that the government had allocated KSh70 billion to the Ebola response. He said the figure circulating in the media was inaccurate.

“Unajua juzi nimesikia watu ya media wamesema iko 70, 70 billion, hakuna 70 billion,” Duale said. He did not provide a detailed breakdown of the funding committed to Ebola preparedness in the remarks reported.

The actual allocation, expenditure and procurement commitments would need to be established through official budget documents and government disclosures. Such information would help the public understand how much money has been set aside and how authorities intend to use it.

Public Scrutiny of Emergency Spending

The warning comes amid heightened attention to the management of public funds during health emergencies. Transparent procurement and independent oversight can help ensure resources reach health facilities and communities requiring support.

Government disclosures on contracts, payments and expenditure would also help demonstrate whether funds are being used appropriately. Investigations and appropriate legal action would be necessary if credible evidence of fraud or misuse emerged.

Kenya’s Ebola preparedness depends on effective coordination, adequate resources and public confidence in the health system. Ensuring that emergency funds are properly managed remains important alongside surveillance and measures to prevent further transmission.

Duale’s declaration sets out his stated position against fraudulent tenders and the misuse of public resources. The next test will be whether the ministry provides transparent spending records and takes appropriate action against any substantiated cases of wrongdoing.