A Kenyan High Court has temporarily suspended a controversial United States plan to set up an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to the virus during the ongoing outbreak in Central Africa.
The court decision came after growing criticism from health workers, activists, and legal groups who argued that the project could put Kenya’s public health at risk. The case will return to court next week as judges review petitions challenging the agreement between Kenya and the United States.
The proposed facility was expected to be built at a military base in Laikipia County and would reportedly hold up to 50 people exposed to the Ebola virus. Under the plan, Americans exposed to Ebola in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda would be quarantined in Kenya instead of being flown back to the United States.
The US government defended the idea as part of efforts to stop the virus from spreading internationally. Washington also pledged millions of dollars to support Kenya’s Ebola preparedness and emergency response systems.
But the plan caused strong reactions across Kenya after reports said the government had approved it without properly informing the public. Many people questioned why Kenya should accept foreign nationals who may have been exposed to Ebola when the country has not reported any Ebola cases.
The Katiba Institute and the Law Society of Kenya later filed separate court cases to stop the project. They said Kenya does not have enough advanced medical facilities to safely handle Ebola patients and warned that the plan could put local communities at risk.
Kenya’s doctors’ union also threatened nationwide protests if the government continued with the plan. Union leaders accused authorities of risking citizens’ safety in exchange for foreign aid and described the proposal as unfair to Kenya.
The Ebola outbreak currently affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo involves the rare Bundibugyo strain which has no approved vaccine. Health officials say the outbreak has already caused hundreds of deaths, while neighboring Uganda has also confirmed infections.
Public concern has continued to grow as details of the proposed facility emerged. Many Kenyans on social media questioned the transparency of the deal and demanded the government release all documents linked to the agreement.
The High Court’s temporary order now stops any implementation of the quarantine project until the case is fully heard. The ruling has been welcomed by activists and health professionals who say public safety must come first.
The legal battle is expected to continue in the coming days as both governments face increasing pressure to explain the full details of the proposed Ebola facility.
