Kenya Halts US Run Ebola Quarantine Facility After Court Order
Kenya’s government has ordered an immediate stop to preparations for a United States run Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base. The decision was announced by Health Minister Aden Duale after the High Court held him in contempt for ignoring an earlier stop work order.
In a statement to the court, Mr. Duale said: “I have directed the immediate and complete cessation of any intended construction, site preparation, or related activities concerning the Laikipia Air Base facility pending the hearing and determination of the substantive petition or until further orders of this court.”
The facility was being built by the United States to serve as a quarantine centre in case American citizens needed evacuation from areas affected by the Ebola outbreak. The outbreak began last month in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising concerns about regional spread.
The project had sparked controversy in Kenya, with critics arguing that the government had allowed construction without proper consultation. Civil society groups and local residents expressed fears that hosting an Ebola quarantine centre could expose communities to unnecessary risks. The High Court responded by issuing a stop work order, which the Health Ministry initially failed to enforce.
Tuesday’s announcement marks a significant shift, as the government now says it will comply fully with the court directive. The case is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with petitioners demanding full disclosure of agreements between Kenya and the United States regarding the facility.
While foreign support can provide resources and expertise, critics insist that local communities must be consulted and protected.
Kenya has not recorded any Ebola cases during the current outbreak, but neighbouring Uganda has reported several infections. Health experts warn that regional preparedness remains critical, given the potential for cross border transmission.
The Laikipia Air Base project was intended to provide 50 isolation beds managed by US medical staff. Supporters argued that the facility could strengthen Kenya’s emergency response capacity and provide reassurance to foreign nationals living in the region. However, opponents said the plan was rushed, lacked transparency, and risked politicising a serious public health issue.
Minister Duale’s statement suggests the government is now taking a more cautious approach. By halting construction, Kenya has signaled that it will respect judicial oversight and allow the courts to determine whether the project should proceed.
