NAIROBI, Kenya — The United States government has said it is engaging Kenyan authorities after the High Court temporarily suspended plans to establish an American Ebola quarantine and isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base.
In a statement issued on Saturday, May 30, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the court action and expressed confidence that concerns surrounding the project could be addressed through consultations with Kenyan authorities.
“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 U.S. government stated.
The response came hours after Justice Patricia Nyaundi issued conservatory orders temporarily halting the establishment of any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility by the United States government or any foreign agency within Kenya.
The court further barred the admission, transfer, reception or facilitation of entry into Kenya of any individual exposed to or infected with Ebola under the reported arrangement until the case is heard and determined.
The orders followed an urgent petition filed by Katiba Institute at the High Court in Nairobi. The institute argued that the proposed facility raises serious constitutional, public health and national security concerns that warrant judicial scrutiny before implementation.
Justice Nyaundi certified the matter as urgent and directed all respondents to file responses within 48 hours of service. The petitioner was also granted leave to file a supplementary affidavit within one day after receiving the responses.
The court warned that any violation of the conservatory orders would attract penal consequences for individuals or institutions found to be in contempt.
According to reports, the proposed facility was expected to become operational within days and would initially consist of a 50-bed field hospital. It was also expected to be staffed by personnel from the U.S. Public Health Service, with teams reportedly undergoing specialised training before deployment.
The controversy has sparked intense debate in Kenya, with critics questioning the rationale for hosting a quarantine facility for individuals potentially exposed to Ebola while the country itself has not reported any active Ebola cases.
The matter has also drawn political attention. Former Chief Justice and presidential hopeful David K. Maraga recently called for full public disclosure of any agreements relating to the treatment of Ebola-exposed individuals in Kenya, arguing that transparency and public oversight are essential where national health and security concerns are involved.
The latest development comes days after a telephone conversation between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President William Ruto, during which the two leaders discussed the Ebola outbreak and broader health cooperation between Kenya and the United States.
During the discussions, the United States pledged approximately Sh1.74 billion to support Ebola preparedness efforts in Kenya, including strengthening surveillance systems, emergency response capacity and medical preparedness.
The case is expected to return to court in the coming days as the government and other respondents file their responses to the petition, setting the stage for a legal battle that could determine whether the proposed facility proceeds or is permanently blocked.
