Read on the GuardianKenyan Minister Halts US Ebola Quarantine Facility Construction Amid Legal and Public Opposition
Kenya's health minister ordered a halt to the construction of a US-run Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia air base following a court contempt ruling. The decision comes after widespread public protests and legal challenges against the facility, which was intended for US citizens evacuated from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The court had previously ordered a stop to construction, which was ignored, leading to contempt charges against Minister Aden Duale.
Kenya's health minister, Aden Duale, has ordered a halt to preparations for a US-run Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia air base in Nanyuki, following a court ruling that held him in contempt for ignoring a previous order to stop work. The decision marks a significant escalation in the ongoing legal and public battle over the facility, which has sparked deadly protests in Kenya and raised concerns about sovereignty and public health.
The controversy began after the US announced plans in May 2026 to construct a quarantine center at the air base for American citizens evacuated from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is grappling with a widespread Ebola outbreak. The facility was designed to house up to 50 isolation beds and be managed by US medical staff. However, many Kenyans strongly oppose the facility, with deadly protests erupting since the announcement.
Rights groups petitioned the high court, arguing that the facility was being developed secretly and without proper consultation. In late May, the high court ordered a stop to the construction until the groups' case was heard. Despite this order, the government continued work, leading to the contempt ruling against Duale on Monday. The court stated that Duale would appear for sentencing.
On Tuesday, Duale apologized to the court and issued an order for the immediate and complete cessation of any intended construction, site preparation, or related activities concerning the Laikipia airbase facility pending the hearing and determination of the substantive petition or until further orders of this court.
Judge Patricia Nyaundi Mande discharged Duale with a warning against further disobeying the court's orders.
Despite the minister's order, reports suggest that specialist staff and medical equipment continued to be flown into the airbase, and satellite imagery from 22 June showed a buildup of structures, including tents and paved areas. Three people have been killed in protests against the quarantine centre, with two dying on 1 June and another shot dead by police on 9 June.
Kenya has never recorded a case of Ebola, and many Kenyans oppose bringing potential carriers of the highly contagious disease into the country. If it is too dangerous for America, it is too dangerous for Kenya,
said Dr Davji Atellah from the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union. In court, Duale defended the facility, arguing that fears of Ebola spreading beyond it were scientifically unfounded.
President William Ruto also supported the facility, stating that Kenya was doing the right thing.
The US has promised $13.5 million to support Kenya's Ebola preparedness efforts, but critics also oppose what they see as the arrangement's colonial overtones. During previous Ebola outbreaks, the US allowed its citizens to return home for treatment, but this time officials have said they would not allow anyone with the disease to enter the US. A US state department statement expressed optimism that objections could be resolved. The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on 15 May.
