Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has opposed the proposed establishment of an Ebola treatment and isolation centre in neighbouring Laikipia County, warning that the move could expose Nyeri residents to serious public health risks.

In a statement issued on Friday, May 30, 2026, via his official social media accounts, Kahiga said residents of Nyeri were deeply concerned by reports indicating that the government was planning to operationalise an Ebola isolation facility in Laikipia.

The governor noted that Nyeri shares a long border with Laikipia and that the two counties are closely linked through trade, transport, and family connections, making any potential outbreak in Laikipia a direct concern for Nyeri residents.

Direct concern to Nyeri

Kahiga said Ebola remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases and warned that the risks associated with cross-border movement of people and goods could not be ignored.

“The residents of Nyeri County are greatly concerned by the circulating media reports indicating plans to establish an Ebola treatment and isolation centre in the neighbouring Laikipia County. It is worth noting that Nyeri County shares a long border with Laikipia, and our communities are closely interlinked through trade, transport, and family ties. Any public health risk in Laikipia is therefore a direct concern to the leadership and the great people of Nyeri,” Kahiga said.

The governor acknowledged that Ebola preparedness and response remained a national and international priority but insisted that any such initiative must be implemented transparently and with public participation.

Calls for suspension of the project

Kahiga urged the national government, through the Ministry of Health, to immediately suspend implementation of the proposed facility until extensive consultations are conducted with affected communities and leaders.

He also demanded that the government release all technical, environmental, and safety assessment reports linked to the project.

“The residents of Nyeri, through their elected leaders, must be consulted and reassured about any such facility being operationalised near our borders,” he stated.

The governor further asked the government to provide detailed information regarding the objectives of the project, its funding arrangements, operational framework, and long-term sustainability plans.

Growing opposition to proposed facility

Kahiga’s statement adds to mounting resistance from political leaders in the Mt Kenya region over reports of a proposed Ebola quarantine or isolation facility in Laikipia.

Earlier, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu also publicly rejected the proposed facility, saying residents of his county would not accept an Ebola quarantine centre being established in the area.

The controversy intensified after the High Court in Nairobi issued conservatory orders temporarily blocking the government and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale from allowing the entry of Ebola-infected persons into Kenya or facilitating their transfer into the country.

The court order followed a petition challenging the proposed quarantine arrangements amid growing public concern and political backlash.

US govt reacts

The United States government has reacted after the High Court in Nairobi temporarily blocked the plans.

In a statement issued by the US State Department through the Office of the Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, in the early hours of Saturday, May 30, 2026, Washington acknowledged the ongoing court case in Kenya and expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved through engagement with Kenyan authorities.

“We are aware of the court action filed in Kenya against the Ebola isolation facility. We are in touch with Kenyan authorities and are optimistic we can resolve objections,” the statement read.