KMA Dismisses JKIA Ebola Screening As PR

The medics' association is concerned that KQ continues to fly to Free Town that is hard hit by Ebola thus risking the spread of the deadly disease.

”We hope that as Kenya Airways continues to fly to West Africa, they have clear risk mitigating mechanisms” Nyaim added.

Speaking to the media, KMA boss Elly Nyaim faulted the screening exercise at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport terming it 'casual and public relations exercise".

The official said the screening was not thorough with so many loopholes.

KMA has further asked the government to initiate more stringent screening measures at all entry points instead of being re-active to ensure Kenyans are protected.

Nyaim emphasized the need for the government to settle the current health workers unrest and create more public awareness on Ebola.

This comes just one day after the World Health Organization warned that Kenya is at a high risk of suffering from outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus.

Speaking to the media,WHO’s Country Director Mandlhate Custodia faulted the country’s weak screening efforts at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and porous borders.

Health Principal Secretary Fred Segor had however indicated that his ministry was working closely with other stakeholders including Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Airways, Immigration Department and Nairobi County health services to ensure that the country remains free from Ebola.

The deadly virus has claimed nearly 1,000 lives in West Africa.

Another 1,700 cases have been confirmed.

By Wangui Ngechu