The United States government under President Donald Trump has outlined plans that could see U.S. citizens quarantined in Kenya for 21 days, days after a Kenyan court barred the establishment of Ebola-related facilities in the country.
In a statement on June 3, the U.S. government said it had established a system for U.S. citizens seeking help due to possible Ebola exposure or for transportation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, or Uganda during the ongoing outbreak.
The High Court in Nairobi on May 28 issued conservatory orders restraining the Kenyan government from establishing or operationalizing any Ebola-related quarantine, isolation, or treatment facilities under any arrangement with the United States or any other foreign government or agency.
“The U.S. government has established a process for U.S. citizens who request assistance due to possible Ebola exposure or for transportation from the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda during the ongoing Ebola outbreak,” read the statement.
US Defies Court Order on Ebola Quarantine Plan
According to the statement, U.S. citizens seeking assistance are advised to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) via its emergency line. Embassy contact information is available through the Travel.State. Gov website.
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Participation in the process is voluntary, but officials noted that those who decline U.S. assistance will still be subject to existing U.S. government and host country health, travel, and screening measures.
However, the framework explicitly includes provisions designating Kenya as a quarantine destination for high-risk cases, a move that places the U.S. plan in direct conflict with the standing court order.
“High-risk of Ebola exposure but U.S. citizen is asymptomatic: State Department and U.S. embassy staff may arrange transportation to a facility in Kenya for a 21-day quarantine period from the last date of Ebola exposure, to include access to appropriate medical care provided by expert U.S. clinicians,” the statement said.
The statement further notes that any U.S. citizen who develops symptoms during the quarantine period may be transferred through specialized aeromedical evacuation for appropriate treatment.
High Court Blocks Government Plans on Establishment of Ebola Facility
The High Court in Nairobi issued conservatory orders blocking the establishment and operation of Ebola-related facilities in Kenya under any agreement with foreign governments.
Also Read: Trump Admin Says There Are Many Places to Send Americans After Kenya Blocks Ebola Facility
In a ruling delivered on May 28, 2026, at the Milimani High Court, Justice P.M. Nyaundi certified the matter as urgent after considering a Notice of Motion filed by Katiba Institute, along with a certificate of urgency and a supporting affidavit sworn by its Executive Director, Nora Mbagathi.
“A conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the Respondents from establishing, operationalizing, facilitating, approving or permitting the establishment and/or operation of any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in Kenya pursuant to any arrangement with the United States of America or any foreign government or agency pending the inter-parties hearing of this application,” read part of the ruling.
The court specifically barred the respondents from establishing, approving, facilitating, or permitting any Ebola-related quarantine, isolation, or treatment facility in Kenya under any arrangement with the United States or any other foreign entity, pending further hearing.
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