NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has strongly defended Kenya’s partnership with the United States on the controversial Ebola preparedness facility at Laikipia Air Base, insisting the government is acting in the country’s best interests and accusing critics of politicising a serious public health matter.
Speaking amid growing public debate and protests over the project, Ruto said Kenya approved the arrangement because of its long-standing partnership with the US government, which has invested heavily in the country’s health sector over the years.
“I gave the okay because it was an agreement with friends who have walked with us for years. It is a partnership that is mutually beneficial to them,” the President said.
Ruto noted that the United States has supported Kenya’s response to major health challenges, including HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, making the collaboration a natural extension of an existing relationship.
“The American government has supported us, they have deployed huge resources in Kenya to work with us on HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Because we have a solid partnership with America,” he said.
The President dismissed concerns that the facility would expose Kenyans to greater health risks, arguing that the centre is no different from other disease preparedness and isolation facilities already operating across the country.
“The facility that is at Laikipia Air Base is not different from other facilities across Kenya. We have 23 facilities. One in Kenyatta Hospital. These facilities are meant to make sure there is proper screening,” he explained.
He questioned criticism of Kenya’s preparedness efforts, saying the country must remain vigilant given the Ebola outbreak in the region and Kenya’s involvement in peacekeeping and security missions abroad.
“Those who are questioning our preparedness, are they telling us that we should not be ready? The fact that we should end up with a case is not far-fetched. We have security people serving in DRC,” Ruto said.
According to the President, the project is aimed at strengthening Kenya’s capacity to respond to future outbreaks and ensuring the country has adequate infrastructure should Ebola cases emerge locally.
“What the American Government is doing is to work with us in building our capacity to make sure that if ever we needed a facility, that facility will be there to serve the people of Kenya,” he added.
Ruto also recalled previous international collaborations in public health, including facilities established during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is not the first time we are doing such partnerships with partners. During COVID-19, we built such a facility at the UN Headquarters,” he said.
The Head of State expressed concern that the issue had become a political flashpoint, warning leaders against spreading fear and misinformation.
“I am wondering why anybody would want to politicise a matter so serious as a pandemic. We know what we are doing,” he stated.
“Politicians should avoid reckless talk. I am very confident about what we are doing as a country.”
Ruto further revealed that the broader health partnership between Kenya and the United States includes significant financial support aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
“The agreement between Kenya and the US is for the good of the country. The US has given a grant of close to Sh200 billion to support the building of our health infrastructure,” he said.
The remarks come as the government faces mounting pressure from opposition leaders, civil society groups and sections of the public who have questioned the safety and transparency of the proposed facility.
A court has since issued temporary orders halting aspects of the project pending the determination of a legal challenge.
Despite the controversy, the President maintained that the government remains committed to enhancing Kenya’s preparedness against infectious diseases and protecting public health through international cooperation.
