PS Oluga defends Laikipia Ebola facility, says it will serve both Kenyan and foreign patients
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, June 2, 2026The government has moved to wipe away fears surrounding the proposed Ebola isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base, with Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga clarifying that the centre is not being established exclusively for American citizens.
Speaking in an interview with a local TV station on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, amid growing public debate over reports of a US–Kenya deal on Ebola preparedness, Oluga has said concerns surrounding the facility had been exaggerated and misrepresented.
“The Ebola treatment facility in Laikipia is not reserved for a specific group of people. It is a national preparedness asset designed to serve everyone who may require specialised care in the event of an Ebola outbreak, both Kenyans and international visitors, including Americans,” Olunga said.
The PS has further emphasised that strengthening the country’s infectious disease response infrastructure is part of Kenya’s broader commitment to safeguarding public health and enhancing readiness for future health emergencies.
According to Dr Oluga, the government remains focused on preventing Ebola from entering the country and has put in place surveillance and response measures to mitigate the risk of an outbreak.
He has also noted that the proposed isolation facility is intended to strengthen Kenya’s emergency preparedness and response capacity rather than cater to any particular nationality.
“Concerns surrounding the reported US–Kenya Ebola arrangement have been blown out of proportion. The government is taking all necessary measures to prevent Ebola from entering Kenya,” he said.
The clarification comes amid heightened public scrutiny following reports that the facility could be used to host Americans infected with Ebola, a claim that has sparked criticism from some political leaders and residents in parts of Laikipia County.
Dr. Oluga further revealed that 37 Kenyans who recently arrived from Congo-Brazzaville are currently under quarantine as part of ongoing surveillance and preventive measures aimed at protecting the country from potential Ebola transmission.
The sentiments from the principal secretary has echoed those of President William Ruto, who has also defended the government’s plan to establish an Ebola preparedness facility at Laikipia Air Base, saying the project is necessary to strengthen Kenya’s ability to respond to future disease outbreaks.
Speaking during a roundtable interview with North Eastern journalists at the Wajir State Lodge on Monday, June 1, 2026, the president dismissed criticism surrounding the facility and urged leaders to avoid politicising public health matters.
“I am wondering why anybody would want to politicise and mobilise negative politics around a matter as serious as a pandemic,” he said.
Ruto maintained that the government was acting responsibly in preparing for potential health emergencies.
“We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing. People should relax. Politicians should avoid reckless, unnecessary talk that doesn’t mean anything,” he insisted.
Nanyuki residents stage protests
Residents from Nanyuki on Monday, June 1, 2026, took to the streets protesting against the establishment of the facility in Laikipia Airbase in Nanyuki. The protesters argued that the government did not engage them before arriving at the decision.
The residents have strongly opposed plans to establish a proposed Ebola quarantine facility in the town, insisting it poses a direct risk to the local community. The opposition against the establishment of the facility has grown amid political debate, a court case, and rising tensions in Laikipia County.
Speaking during protests, a resident, Martin Ndegwa, said the community would not accept the project under any circumstances.
“And we are here to categorically say hell no to an Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki. It is right at our doorstep. It is right in town,” he said.
He questioned the logic of hosting such a facility in Kenya while the disease is mainly reported elsewhere.