The High Court has temporarily halted the establishment of a US-backed Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in Laikipia County.

The facility, planned at Laikipia Air Base, was meant to handle Americans exposed to Ebola from the ongoing outbreak in DRC and Uganda. The United States pledged $13.5 million (KSh 1.75 billion) to support Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts.

Local leaders and residents strongly opposed the project, fearing it could bring the deadly virus closer to Kenyan communities and hurt tourism in the area. Protests broke out in Nanyuki, with some turning violent.

In its ruling, the High Court ordered the government to release full details of the plan and barred any construction or operation of the facility until the case is fully heard.

Reactions

  • Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua welcomed the ruling, calling it a protection for Kenyans against an “evil scheme.”
  • The government says the facility is for preparedness only and will also help Kenyan patients if needed.

Kenya has so far recorded zero Ebola cases, but health officials continue border screening and surveillance as the outbreak in neighbouring countries worsens.