Mt Kenya leaders oppose Ebola quarantine facility plan in Kenya
By Loise Wambugu, May 31, 2026A section of leaders from the Mt Kenya region has opposed reports that Kenya could host an Ebola quarantine facility for American citizens exposed to the virus, citing concerns over public health, legal procedures and public participation.
The leaders argued that any arrangement involving the establishment of such a facility must undergo parliamentary scrutiny and comply with constitutional requirements before implementation.
Their remarks come amid heightened attention on Ebola preparedness in the region following outbreaks reported in neighbouring countries and ongoing discussions on regional response mechanisms.
Leaders raise health and legal concerns
Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge said establishing the facility would expose Kenyans to unnecessary risks, arguing that the country’s healthcare system is already facing significant pressure.
“Our healthcare system is already under pressure, and it is difficult to understand why the United States cannot manage its own citizens within its borders. The safety of Kenyans must come first,” said Mathenge.
The legislator also welcomed a recent court decision that halted the project and called on the government to abandon the proposal.
His sentiments were echoed by Geoffrey Wandeto, who acknowledged Kenya’s experience in managing infectious diseases but stressed the importance of following legal procedures.
“Kenya has the capacity and experience to manage infectious diseases, but any agreement of this nature must first be ratified by Parliament before implementation. We also need comprehensive environmental, health and security impact assessments before any decision is made,” Wandeto stated.
Former Laikipia gubernatorial aspirant Ndirangu Wangai also questioned the reported plan, particularly claims that the facility could be located in Laikipia County.
“Kenyans deserve full disclosure on this matter. We need to know whether the agreement has undergone parliamentary scrutiny and public participation as required by law. The government must make public all details surrounding this proposal and prioritize the safety of its citizens,” he said.
Calls for transparency as Ebola concerns grow
Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi also weighed in on the debate, urging leaders to treat the Ebola threat with urgency.
“Ebola is such a serious thing that every other thing planned for this week must be postponed, and we focus on saving Kenya as a nation state,” Amisi posted on X.
The concerns come as countries in the East African region continue monitoring Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Regional governments and health agencies have intensified surveillance measures, border screening and preparedness efforts to prevent cross-border transmission.
The East African Community is expected to hold a ministerial meeting to discuss a coordinated regional response, including surveillance, laboratory capacity, training of health workers and deployment of protective equipment at border points.
Government defends facility plans
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has defended the Laikipia facility, saying it is a Kenya Defence Forces-managed installation intended to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities.
According to Duale, the facility is not exclusively intended for American citizens but is designed to support broader public health needs.
“It is for everybody, not necessarily US citizens who have contracted the virus,” Duale said.
He noted that Kenya remains a major regional transport and logistics hub and has personnel working in countries affected by Ebola, making preparedness measures necessary.
The debate has brought renewed attention to questions of public health preparedness, legal oversight and transparency, with leaders maintaining that any international health arrangement involving Kenya should undergo parliamentary approval, public participation and comprehensive impact assessments before implementation.