The United States government has responded to concerns surrounding the proposed establishment of an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya, stating that it is already in discussions with Kenyan authorities and remains confident that the issues raised can be addressed.
The response follows a High Court decision that temporarily halted plans to set up an Ebola isolation, treatment, or quarantine facility in the country pending the hearing and determination of a constitutional petition.
In a statement issued on May 30, US Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs and Religious Freedom, Jeremy Lewin, acknowledged the ongoing court proceedings and confirmed that Washington is actively consulting with Nairobi over the matter.
“We are aware of the court action filed in Kenya against the Ebola isolation facility. We are in touch with Kenyan authorities and are optimistic we can resolve objections,” the statement said.
The remarks constitute the first public response from the US government since the Kenyan court issued conservatory orders suspending the project. The ruling also barred the transfer, admission, or reception into Kenya of any individuals infected with or exposed to the Ebola virus until further court directions are issued.
The case was brought by the Katiba Institute, which challenged the legality of the proposed facility, arguing that the project lacked adequate public participation, transparency, and parliamentary approval.
Following the court ruling, the institute formally informed the US State Department and the US Department of Health of the binding court orders. Executive Director Nora Mbagathi maintained that constitutional requirements must be observed regardless of the intended public health objectives.
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The proposed facility has generated widespread public concern, with critics questioning Kenya’s capacity to manage Ebola-related risks and expressing fears over reports that the country could host individuals exposed to the virus from abroad.
Debate intensified after reports suggested that a 50-bed quarantine facility was planned at Laikipia Airbase in Nanyuki under a health cooperation arrangement between Kenya and the United States.
The court intervention came shortly after Washington announced plans to allocate approximately KSh 1.75 billion towards strengthening Kenya’s Ebola preparedness and response capabilities.
According to the US Department of State, the funding proposal was discussed during talks between President William Ruto and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions centred on enhancing health systems, securing medical supplies, and coordinating regional responses to Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring countries.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Ministry of Health has defended the discussions with the United States and other development partners, insisting they form part of broader efforts to strengthen national and regional disease preparedness.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga said the initiative provides Kenya with an opportunity to play a significant role in advancing global health security while improving its readiness to respond to future outbreaks.
