Kenya's Health Minister Orders Halt to US-Backed Ebola Quarantine Facility
Kenya's Health Minister Aden Duale on Tuesday ordered the suspension of construction on a US-backed Ebola quarantine center, a day after a Kenyan court held him in contempt for ignoring an earlier order halting the project. The facility, located at Laikipia Air Base in Laikipia County, was intended to house Americans exposed to Ebola while abroad, according to Trump administration officials.
Court Contempt and Apology
The high court had initially ordered construction to stop in May, pending a determination in a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya and the Katiba Institute, a constitutional watchdog. The groups argued that Kenya's fragile health system could not handle a potential Ebola outbreak. Despite the order, construction continued, leading to a series of local protests in which three people died.
On Monday, Health Minister Aden Duale was found in contempt of court and ordered to attend a sentencing hearing on Tuesday. At the hearing, Duale apologized, stating it was never his intention to “disregard, undermine or act in defiance of the orders of the court.” The court accepted his apology and took no further action against the minister.
Minister Defends Facility, Cites Scientific Grounds
Duale defended the quarantine center, asserting that concerns about the facility posing a threat to local residents were unfounded. “The fear that the Laikipia facility could serve as a vehicle for Ebola importation into surrounding communities is scientifically unfounded,” he said. The US government has committed $13.5 million toward Kenya's Ebola preparedness efforts.
Background and Protests
The construction of the Ebola quarantine center had been a point of contention between the Kenyan government, local communities, and civil society groups. The Law Society of Kenya and the Katiba Institute argued that the project was approved without adequate public participation and that it posed environmental and health risks. Protests erupted in Laikipia County, resulting in three fatalities. The court's initial order to halt construction was ignored, leading to the contempt proceedings against Duale.
US Commitment and Future Steps
The United States has pledged $13.5 million to support Kenya's Ebola preparedness, including the construction of the quarantine facility. With the suspension order now in place, the future of the project remains uncertain. The court is expected to hear the substantive case filed by the Law Society and the Katiba Institute, which challenges the legality of the project. The Kenyan government has yet to announce its next steps regarding the facility.
