Kenyan President William Ruto has defended the government’s decision to approve a U.S.-supported Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, describing it as part of the country’s broader disease preparedness strategy.
The proposed facility, intended to accommodate Americans who may have been exposed to Ebola, has sparked concerns among residents and leaders in Nanyuki, a town located near the military base.
Protesters recently demonstrated against the plan, citing fears that the centre could pose health risks to nearby communities.
Addressing the controversy for the first time, President Ruto said “the facility was not unique and was comparable to other health emergency centres already operating across Kenya.”
He urged citizens to trust the government’s ability to manage public health threats effectively.
Ruto explained that “the approval followed a request from U.S. President Donald Trump and reflected decades of cooperation between Kenya and the United States in tackling health challenges such as HIV/AIDS, Ebola and COVID-19.”
According to the President, Kenya has already established isolation, surveillance and treatment facilities in 23rd counties as part of efforts to strengthen its response to infectious diseases.
He noted that the facility would be available for both Kenyan citizens and international partners if the need arose.
“The development comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda continue to battle an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has claimed dozens of lives and prompted the World Health Organisation to declare a public health emergency of international concern.
Despite government assurances, legal challenges have emerged,” the president said.
A Kenyan court recently issued a temporary suspension order on the project following a lawsuit that argued the facility could threaten public safety.
The President did not comment on the court’s ruling during his remarks.
Meanwhile, Kenya has intensified health screening measures at its land and air entry points, examining thousands of travellers daily.
Authorities say no Ebola case has been recorded in the country so far.
Ruto maintained that the government remains fully prepared to respond to any potential outbreak and emphasized that public health protection remains a national priority.
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Reuters/Hauwa M.
