Nairobi, Kenya – Tension is mounting in Kenya after reports emerged that the United States is constructing an Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia County to house Americans arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a major Ebola outbreak is ongoing.
The facility, located inside the heavily secured Laikipia Air Base near the tourist town of Nanyuki, has sparked widespread outrage among residents who fear the move could expose Kenya to the deadly virus despite the country never recording a confirmed Ebola case.
Locals say they are struggling to understand why potential Ebola carriers would be flown into Kenya instead of being treated in the United States.
“It is putting our lives and businesses at risk,” said Nicholas, a local souvenir trader who declined to reveal his full identity. “We are scared and don’t know why they chose Laikipia.”
According to a US diplomatic source, the quarantine centre is nearing completion and will feature 50 isolation beds managed exclusively by American personnel. The source added that the facility currently has no patients.
Flight-tracking data reportedly shows that at least nine US military aircraft have landed at the base since late May, delivering equipment linked to the project.
Protesters accuse US of neo-colonialism
The development has triggered accusations of neo-colonialism, with critics questioning why the US would refuse to quarantine Ebola-exposed individuals on its own soil while expecting Kenya to host such a facility.
Laikipia County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior described the plan as a violation of Kenya’s sovereignty.
“The proposed Ebola quarantine hospital in Laikipia goes against the spirit of self-governance. This is neo-colonialism,” the governor said.
Public anger boiled over earlier this week as hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the military base to protest the project. A human rights group claimed that two people died during the unrest, although authorities have yet to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.
Ruto defends partnership with US
Despite the backlash, President William Ruto has defended the decision, citing Kenya’s long-standing health partnership with the United States.
“The American government has supported Kenya’s healthcare sector for nearly three decades,” Ruto said while addressing journalists. “Rejecting a facility they are funding would be unfortunate and inhuman.”
The controversy comes months after Kenya signed a health cooperation agreement with Washington that reportedly involves sharing large volumes of health data in exchange for billions of dollars in assistance.
The US government has also pledged $13.5 million toward strengthening Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts.
Meanwhile, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has insisted that the project will continue despite a High Court order seeking to halt its implementation.
Concerns over Kenya’s healthcare capacity
Health experts and frontline workers have also expressed concerns about Kenya’s ability to manage a major Ebola outbreak should containment measures fail.
A nurse in Nairobi, who spoke anonymously, warned that the country’s healthcare system remains fragile.
“Our containment capacity is limited, and the public health sector is already struggling. An Ebola outbreak would place enormous pressure on the system,” the nurse said.
Authorities have attempted to calm public fears by stating that the facility could also benefit Kenyan citizens if needed. However, that assurance has done little to reduce growing opposition.
More protests planned
The issue has become a rallying point for government critics and opponents of President Ruto’s administration. Organisers have already announced fresh demonstrations outside the Laikipia Air Base next week.
For many residents, however, the central question remains unanswered: why should Kenya host an Ebola quarantine centre for Americans when the United States has the resources to manage such cases itself?
“I think it should be in America,” said 26-year-old student Atho Halakhe. “They have the facilities and capacity to handle it there.”
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