The United States has defended the establishment of the Ebola facility in Laikipia, stating that the centre is part of broader efforts to strengthen regional disease surveillance and response amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.
In a statement on June 3, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi said it was aware of a court case challenging the project and was working with the Kenyan government to address the concerns that were raised during the petition.
“We are aware of the court action filed in Kenya are actively working with the Kenyan government to resolve any objections and communicate our shared objectives to the Kenyan people. The United States and Kenya share a historic health partnership that over decades has benefitted both Americans and Kenyans. Our joint response to the current Ebola outbreak is a natural extension of our longstanding cooperation,” read part of the statement.
The embassy added that the facility poses no danger to surrounding communities, describing it as a key component of a wider strategy to prevent the spread of Ebola and enhance preparedness across the region.
US Reassures Public Over Laikipia Ebola Facility Safety Concerns
The Embassy said the initiative is part of enhanced cooperation with Kenya to improve border screening, expand testing capacity and strengthen response mechanisms in high-risk counties.
It also noted that expanding regional capacity to isolate and test asymptomatic individuals, including American personnel involved in the response, would support Kenya’s preparedness while easing pressure on local health systems.
The US Embassy further stated that it remains the largest financial contributor to the Ebola response, with direct assistance exceeding $162 million and continuing to increase.
It added that additional support of $350 million had been channelled through OCHA pooled funds to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, as part of wider humanitarian assistance in the region, including a broader $1.8 billion commitment announced on May 14.
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Uproar over Establishment of Ebola Facility
The statement follows after two people were shot dead in Nanyuki amid protests against US plans to establish an Ebola isolation centre at a military base nearby.
One of the victims was shot in an area near Laikipia Airbase, where a demonstration was taking place. He later died after being taken to the town hospital by friends.
BBC reported that the second victim was already dead when he was brought to the hospital by soldiers.
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On Monday, June 1, demonstrators marched through Nanyuki town, blocking roads and burning tyres as police fired tear gas to disperse them.
The protesters reportedly attempted to access the site but were stopped by military officers, leading to a standoff that lasted about two hours before a senior official from the air base addressed the crowd and urged them to disperse peacefully.
Videos from the protests showed fires burning along roads in parts of Nanyuki, with thick smoke rising over the area. Security officers were also seen firing during the unrest.
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