Duale Confirms Court Injunction Stopped Ebola Facility Project at Laikipia Airbase

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed to the court that the government suspended its collaboration with the United States on the proposed Ebola quarantine and isolation facility at Laikipia Airbase. The suspension followed High Court conservatory orders.

Duale filed the response in the ongoing case. Petitioners including Katiba Institute accused the government of defying the orders by allowing work to continue at the site. The Cabinet Secretary rejected those claims and said authorities took prompt action.

"Immediately upon becoming aware of the conservatory orders issued by this court, the Government took steps to ensure compliance therewith and consequently suspended all activities being undertaken pursuant to the collaboration," Duale stated in his affidavit.

He described reports of continued construction as based on unverified media and conjecture. The project planned a quarantine, monitoring and treatment facility at the airbase in Nanyuki under US support.

The petition raised issues of transparency, public participation and constitutional compliance. Petitioners said the public lacked sufficient information and key documents were not disclosed.

Satellite images submitted as evidence appeared to show activity after the orders. Duale maintained any observed works related to separate national preparedness initiatives, not the halted US-backed component.

Kenya faces Ebola risks due to regional ties. These include citizens working in affected areas and peacekeepers in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The contested facility formed part of plans for 23 quarantine sites across the country.

The court ordered release of agreements and assessments. Petitioners claim full compliance has not happened. A hearing is scheduled for June 18, 2026.

Human rights groups highlighted violence during related protests. Amnesty International Kenya and Amnesty International USA reported three protester deaths, including a 17-year-old student. They called for independent investigations into police actions.

Local residents raised safety fears over pathogen handling at the Kenya Medical Research Institute grounds in Nanyuki. The dispute has brought attention to public consultation processes for sensitive health projects.

Duale stressed Kenya's constitutional duty to protect citizens through proper preparedness measures. The court pause affects only the specific US-supported project at Laikipia Airbase.