Duale: Govt complied with court order stopping Laikipia Ebola project
By Faith Lagat, June 12, 2026Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has stated that the government fully complied with a court order halting the construction of a proposed Ebola quarantine facility at a military camp in Laikipia County.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting on infectious disease preparedness in Nairobi on June 12, 2026, Duale dismissed reports suggesting that construction was continuing.
“Let me be clear. Preparedness facilities are not evidence of an outbreak. They are just precautionary measures designed to ensure that if a suspected or confirmed case arises, our health system can respond swiftly and effectively while protecting the public,” Duale said.
He confirmed that construction at the Laikipia site was suspended in line with the court ruling, noting that the project is part of 23 preparedness facilities planned across the country.
“Laikipia county facility is part of the 23 facilities and we are a government that respects the rule of law. So we abide by the court decision,” he said.
Public health preparedness and legal developments
Duale said the government remains committed to Ebola preparedness and warned that emergency measures may be invoked if cases are reported in the country.
He said Sections 35 and 36 of the Public Health Act could be activated in the event of an outbreak. “An epidemic of this magnitude will not wait for more consultation. We have to save lives. We have to prepare the country,” he said.
The remarks come amid concerns over Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where health authorities have reported rising cases and fatalities.
Kenya has increased surveillance at borders, airports, and seaports, with screening measures in place to detect possible infections.
Regional Ebola situation and court proceedings
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have reported 676 confirmed cases and 136 deaths, while Uganda has recorded fatalities as it works to contain the outbreak.
Kenya has advised against non-essential travel to affected countries as part of its preventive measures.
The statement follows legal action filed by the Katiba Institute, which has raised concerns over compliance with court orders issued on May 28 and June 2, 2026, relating to the Laikipia facility.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi certified the application as urgent on June 11, 2026. The matter is scheduled for mention on June 16 after responses are filed by June 15.
Duale maintained that Kenya remains focused on both legal compliance and strengthening public health preparedness amid rising regional risks.