The Kenya National Public Health Institute [KNPHI] on the sidelines of the ongoing Kenya Health Security Convention [KHSC] in Mombasa launched the Kenya Collaborative Disease Surveillance Echo Program following a comprehensive assessment exercise conducted in 2025 across all 47 counties, focusing on level 3-6 health facilities . 

The activity which was implemented by KNPHI with technical and financial support from the U.S. Government through its agency U.S. CDC among other partners is a key initiative designed to strengthen health security by enhancing the speed and accuracy of disease detection, monitoring, and response to outbreaks.

A total of 567 laboratories were assessed, the majority [69%] of which were level 4 [mid-level] and 169 sub-counties were assessed for surveillance and epidemic preparedness and response [EPR] capacities. 

Strengths were observed in availability of routine diagnostic services, equipment functionality, standardized reporting through national platforms and the establishment of core surveillance structures such as Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response [IDSR] and Event-Based Surveillance [EBS].

Speaking during the launch, KNPHI Ag. Director General Dr Kamene Kimenye said Kenya's ability to rapidly detect,confirm, and respond to public health threats relies on the collective strength of its laboratory networks and surveillance systems which is a key component of the International Health Regulations 2005 (IHR). 

Summary of Key Findings:

● Laboratory Workforce 
● Diagnostic Capacity and Referral Networks
● Equipment and Commodity Management 
● Data Management and Quality Systems 
● Biosafety and Biosecurity 
● Surveillance and Epidemic Preparedness 

Among the Key Recommendations include:

● Prioritize targeted investments in Level 3 and 4 facilities 
●Leverage existing molecular testing infrastructure 
● Strengthen collaboration between human,animal and environmental health laboratories 
● Establish national or pooled county-level frameworks 
● Develop and operationalize county VHF preparedness plans
● Develop and implement succession planning strategy 

Project ECHO is working closely with country stakeholders to identify the most suitable country leaders and technical focal points ,understand each country’s readiness, strengths, and needs through baseline assessments and conduct training for partners on the Project ECHO Model and the ECHO digital platform. 

The Kenya National Public Health Institute [KNPHI] is the leading public health institution, established to strengthen cordination of disease surveillance, public health laboratory services, emergency preparedness and response, and applied public health research at national and county levels.

Dignitaries who graced the event include 
National Assembly Departmental Health Committee Chair and Seme Member of Parliament Dr James Nyikal,his Endebess counterpart and the Deputy Chair for Budget and Appropriations Committee Dr Robert Pukose among others.