EMMANUEL WEKESA
The High Court in Nairobi has issued conservatory orders suspending the planned establishment of a United States-linked Ebola quarantine centre in Laikipia County.
The orders follow an urgent petition filed by the Katiba Institute before the Milimani Law Courts, seeking to halt the implementation of the facility pending the determination of the case.
Legal Action on US-Linked Ebola Quarantine Plans
Justice Patricia Nyaundi barred the Kenyan government from facilitating, approving, or permitting the setting up of any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation, or treatment centre by the US government or any foreign agency. "Upon reading the Notice of Motion dated May 28, 2026, a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the respondents from establishing, operationalising, facilitating, or approving establishment of any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation, or treatment facility in Kenya," the court declared.
The court specifically restrained the respondents from admitting into Kenya, transferring, receiving, or facilitating the entry of persons exposed to or infected with Ebola under the reported arrangement with the US. The petition argued that the facility poses an imminent threat to public safety and life if allowed to proceed before full judicial review.
Justice Nyaundi emphasized the urgency of the matter, requiring the respondents to file their responses within 48 hours of being served. The Katiba Institute was also granted a short timeline to submit a supplementary affidavit. The next hearing is scheduled for June 2, 2026. The court warned that disobedience of the orders could attract penalties for individuals or institutions involved.
The petition highlights constitutional and health concerns surrounding the proposed US-Kenya Ebola quarantine facility. It calls for an immediate suspension of any such US-backed project until legal clarity is achieved. Despite Kenya’s government initially approving the site in Laikipia, the court's interim order effectively halts any further advancement of the project, which was to feature a 50-bed hospital staffed by US Public Health Service personnel. This legal move underscores the ongoing debate and the need for transparent decision-making regarding foreign health aid initiatives in Kenya.
