Court Directs Govt to Disclose Agreements on Laikipia Ebola Centre Project

UPDATE: US Ebola centre: A court has directed the government to disclose all agreements, approvals, risk assessments, and operational protocols related to the proposed Laikipia County facility within seven days.

The High Court in Nairobi has temporarily stopped the planned establishment of a United States-linked Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia County.

The decision follows an urgent case filed at the Milimani Law Courts by Katiba Institute and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), challenging the implementation of the proposed centre.

As part of the conservatory orders, the court also prohibited the government from allowing the entry, transfer, or admission into Kenya of individuals exposed to or infected with Ebola under the controversial arrangement.

“Upon reading the Notice of Motion dated May 28, 2026, a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the respondents from establishing, operationalising, facilitating, approving establishment of any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in Kenya,” the court directed.

Blow to Ruto as Court Suspends US-Backed Ebola Quarantine Plan

The petitioners argued that the proposed facility posed a serious threat to public health and national safety, especially if Kenya were to receive Ebola patients or people exposed to the deadly virus from other countries.

Justice Patricia Nyaundi ruled that public interest favoured the granting of interim orders while the matter is being heard and determined.

Also Read: US to Establish Ebola Quarantine Facility in Laikipia After Kenya Approval

The court further directed that no persons exposed to or infected with Ebola should be transferred to or admitted into Kenya under the disputed arrangement until the case is fully heard.

Katiba Institute was ordered to serve the respondents with the petition and application within 24 hours, while the government has been given 48 hours after service to file its response.

The matter will be mentioned on June 2, 2026, for further directions.

KMPDU Opposes US-Kenya Deal

The case has sparked public debate following reports that Kenya could host a foreign-supported Ebola response facility, with concerns being raised over transparency, public participation, and possible health risks.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has opposed the proposal, warning that it raises serious biosecurity and ethical concerns.

Also Read: Trump Administration Reveals Location for US Ebola Quarantine Facility

Led by Secretary General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah, the union accused the government of holding secret negotiations and sidelining Kenyan healthcare professionals in favour of foreign arrangements.

KMPDU said Kenya should not be turned into what it called a “dumping ground” for high-risk infectious diseases, arguing that the country’s health system remains underfunded and overstretched.

In a statement dated Thursday, May 29, 2026, the union warned that if the government fails to disclose full details within 48 hours, it could trigger nationwide industrial action by doctors.

“If it is too dangerous for America, it is too dangerous for Kenya,” the union said, insisting that national safety must come first.

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Milimani High Court in Nairobi.PHOTO/FILES.