Laikipia Senator John Kinyua has opposed plans to establish an Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki for patients from other countries.
The Senator opposed any such proposal, arguing that it would pose a risk to residents and calling for the plan to be immediately halted.
He further urged residents to remain alert and demanded greater public participation, scientific assurances, and consultation with local stakeholders before any health emergency facility could be considered in the county.
The Senator also questioned the choice of location, describing Nanyuki as a densely populated and economically strategic town, and raised concerns about potential public health risks, psychological distress, and economic disruption.
Kenya’s health authorities have in recent years maintained that Ebola preparedness planning—where undertaken—focuses on surveillance, isolation readiness, and coordination with regional partners in response to outbreaks in neighbouring countries, rather than the permanent siting of dedicated quarantine centres in local communities.
Public health experts generally emphasize that Ebola, a highly infectious viral disease, requires strict isolation and infection control measures when cases occur, and that preparedness systems are designed to prevent spread rather than encourage exposure.
He maintained that residents’ safety must remain the priority and has called for transparency and consultation before any related decisions are made.
Kenya has approved a US plan to set up an Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia for Americans exposed to the virus in DR Congo. The facility will start operations on Friday. The facility will be based at Laikipia Air Base. The first phase will have 50 beds, with plans to expand to 250 beds later.
It will be run by the US military and staffed by US public health officers with Ebola experience, officials said. The facility is meant to isolate and monitor Americans exposed to Ebola during the growing outbreak in DR Congo. No Americans have been transferred there yet.US officials say the goal is to avoid long evacuation flights back to America and provide faster regional care.
Patients needing advanced treatment could later be moved to Europe. Why Kenya was chosen: The location offers faster access to the outbreak area in eastern DR Congo compared to long flights back to the US, reducing transport risk for exposed patients.
Who signed the deal on behalf of Kenya: US officials described it as written government approval (authorization) granting the US access to land at the Kenyan military base. It is not presented as a fully public bilateral treaty with named signatories.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with President William Ruto on the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region, with Washington pledging fresh financial support to bolster Kenya’s preparedness and response measures.
In a statement attributed to State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Rubio and Ruto discussed coordination between the United States and Kenya in strengthening public health systems amid growing regional concern over the spread of Ebola.
The United States Government announced its intention to commit $13.5 million towards Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts.
The funding will support efforts to secure vital medical supplies and reinforce the country’s health response capacity.
Washington also noted that it has already committed $112 million in bilateral assistance to support the wider regional Ebola response.
“The Secretary and President Ruto discussed coordinated efforts to secure vital medical supplies for Kenya and ensure the strength and preparedness of Kenya’s health system,” the statement said.
The conversation comes as Kenya heightens surveillance and preparedness measures following outbreaks reported in neighbouring countries, amid concerns over cross-border transmission due to regional travel and trade links.
Rubio and Ruto agreed to maintain close coordination as the situation evolves and to continue leveraging the long-standing health partnership between the two countries, which has previously played a key role in responding to public health emergencies across East Africa.
According to the statement, the United States said its “highest priority remains protecting the health and security of the American people by working to prevent the Ebola outbreak from reaching our shores.”
Kenya has in recent weeks intensified screening at border points, airports, and health facilities, while engaging international partners and regional agencies to strengthen preparedness and rapid response mechanisms.
Ruto reiterated that Kenya would continue acting transparently, responsibly, and decisively to safeguard lives while contributing to regional and global health security efforts.
To further strengthen preparedness and coordination, the Government announced plans to establish a National Response Committee under the leadership of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
The committee will coordinate a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response, enhance public awareness and preparedness, and mobilise technical and financial resources required to respond to any eventualities arising from the Ebola outbreak.
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