The United States Embassy in Kenya has defended plans to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, insisting that the project poses no risk to surrounding communities despite mounting public opposition and an ongoing court challenge.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 3, the embassy said the bio-isolation facility forms part of broader efforts to contain the spread of Ebola and strengthen regional health security amid the continuing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The bio-isolation facility in Laikipia is part of a holistic response to prevent the spread of the disease and lessen health risks for the region as a whole; it does not pose risk to nearby communities”, the Embassy said.
The Embassy acknowledged legal proceedings against the project and said it was working with Kenyan authorities to address public concerns and improve understanding of the facility’s purpose.
The statement came a day after Kenya’s High Court extended by three weeks a suspension on the facility’s opening and ordered the Government to disclose the agreement underpinning the project. The case was brought by the Katiba Institute, a constitutional and governance watchdog, which argues that the initiative raises concerns over legality, public health and transparency.
Public opposition has also intensified, with critics questioning the safety of hosting a quarantine Centre for Americans potentially exposed to Ebola.
On Monday, June 1st, hundreds of residents and youth groups staged a protest outside the facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, about 200 kilometres north of Nairobi.
The US Embassy said the facility would help improve regional preparedness by enabling the isolation and testing of asymptomatic individuals, including Americans involved in Ebola response efforts, while preserving Kenya’s healthcare resources for its citizens.
It added that the United States was working with Kenya and international partners to strengthen border screening, laboratory testing and outbreak response measures in areas considered at higher risk. According to the embassy, the US has committed more than $162 million in direct assistance to support efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak.