Duale defends US Ebola facility, says it'll serve Kenyans too

CS Aden Duale updates the media on Kenya’s Ebola preparedness at Afya House, saying there are no confirmed cases, May 21, 2026. [David Gichuru, Standard]

The government has defended its partnership with the United States of America's government to establish an Ebola isolation and treatment facility in Laikipia.

It says the centre will serve both Kenyans and Americans exposed to the highly infectious disease.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the US-funded facility is intended to strengthen Kenya's capacity for disease surveillance, emergency response and preparedness against future outbreaks of highly infectious diseases, including Ebola.

"That is a military facility. The Kenya Defence Forces will use the facility, and other Kenyans will also use that facility," Duale said.

According to the CS, the centre forms part of Kenya's broader strategy to enhance preparedness and response to emerging public health threats.

His remarks come amid concerns raised following a White House statement indicating that the facility would be staffed exclusively by American personnel and would cater only to US citizens suspected of exposure to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.

Appearing on Citizen TV over the weekend, Duale said there is nothing secret about the Ebola quarantine process.

“We are putting in place 11 quarantine, isolation and treatment centres across the country as a safety measure, just in case we get affected. It is our duty to ensure Kenyans are protected,” said Duale.

The Ministry says Laikipia, where the facility is to be set up, is far from densely populated communities.

This, therefore, makes it suitable for isolation and emergency response operations if need be.

“Laikipia is one of the isolation centres. It is very far from any community,” said Duale.

The CS acknowledged the High Court order by Judge Patricia Nyaundi that temporarily stopped the government from admitting any individual exposed or suspected of having acquired the virus.

The court argued that the facility could endanger public health.

“The court has given us 48 hours to submit our submissions. The Attorney General and the chief legal advisor have already submitted the submission. We are not talking about a normal situation,” Duale said.

Further, Duale defended the facility, saying many Kenyans and international personnel work in DRC and are likely to require care.

“I had an opportunity to visit those areas in DRC where the epicentre of Ebola is when I was the Minister for Defence. Over 350 KDF soldiers are working for the UN as we speak, all battalion and KDF quick response teams, and a huge population doing business,” Duale said.

He said that before Kenyans raise concern about Americans being brought to the country, more concern should be what if they themselves are infected.