NAIROBI, Kenya- Fresh controversy has emerged over the proposed Kenya-US Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia after reports indicated that American personnel arrived at the military installation despite a High Court order temporarily suspending the project.
According to multiple reports, American health and military-linked personnel have already been deployed to the Laikipia Air Base as preparations continue for the establishment of a 50-bed Ebola quarantine facility intended for US citizens exposed to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of Uganda.
The development comes just days after the Kenyan government formally approved the United States request to establish the facility at the air base in central Kenya.
Reuters reported that the authorization granted the US access to land at the Laikipia military installation, with the facility expected to be staffed by members of the US Public Health Service.
However, the plan hit a legal hurdle after the High Court issued conservatory orders temporarily blocking the project following a petition filed by the Katiba Institute.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi barred the Kenyan government from admitting any person exposed to or infected with Ebola under the proposed arrangement until the matter is heard and determined. A hearing has been scheduled for June 2.
Despite the court order, reports and aviation tracking data indicated continued activity at Laikipia Air Base, including the arrival of US-linked aircraft and personnel associated with the Ebola response programme.
The proposed facility has generated intense public debate across Kenya, with critics questioning the government’s decision to host a quarantine centre for Americans while the country has not recorded a single confirmed Ebola case.
Medical professionals, civil society groups and political leaders have demanded greater transparency regarding the agreement signed between Nairobi and Washington.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union earlier threatened protests if details of the arrangement were not made public, arguing that the project raises significant public health and sovereignty concerns.
Meanwhile, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has defended the partnership, insisting the facility is part of broader Ebola preparedness measures and will strengthen Kenya’s emergency response capabilities.
Duale said the project is being developed jointly with the United States and is intended to enhance monitoring, isolation and rapid response systems in the event of an outbreak.
The Trump administration has defended the plan, saying Americans exposed to Ebola in Africa will be quarantined in Kenya instead of being flown directly to the United States.
Those who develop symptoms would reportedly be transferred to treatment facilities in Europe rather than US hospitals.
The controversy has now placed both the Kenyan and US governments under scrutiny, with critics pointing to what they describe as a growing pattern of executive actions proceeding despite ongoing legal challenges.
As public pressure mounts, attention is now turning to the High Court proceedings expected this week, which could determine whether the controversial Laikipia Ebola facility moves forward or is halted indefinitely.
