The United States government has reacted after the High Court in Nairobi temporarily blocked plans to establish a controversial Ebola quarantine and isolation facility in Nanyuki, Laikipia County.

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.

The remarks come days after the High Court issued conservatory orders stopping the Kenyan government from allowing entry into the country of persons infected with the Ebola virus for purposes of isolation or quarantine.

High court blocks planned facility

Justice Patricia Nyaundi on Friday, May 29, 2026, issued the orders following a petition challenging the proposed establishment of an Ebola quarantine centre reportedly intended for American citizens.

The court barred the government, the Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, the Attorney General, and their agents from facilitating the entry or transfer of Ebola-infected persons into Kenya pending the hearing and determination of the case.

“A conservatory order is issued restraining the respondents (AG and CS Duale), whether by themselves, their agents, officers, or any persons acting under their authority, from admitting into, transferring to, receiving within, or facilitating the entry into Kenya of persons exposed to or infected with Ebola,” Judge Nyaundi ordered.

The ruling further prohibited any arrangements for transportation, admission or transfer of such individuals into quarantine facilities within the country.

The case has since triggered intense public debate and political reactions, particularly in Laikipia County, where reports indicated the proposed facility would be established in Nanyuki.

Public anxiety and political opposition

The proposed Ebola isolation facility sparked fear among sections of residents and leaders who argued that hosting infected foreign nationals could expose local communities to unnecessary health risks.

Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu was among leaders who publicly opposed the plan, insisting that Laikipia residents would not accept the establishment of an Ebola quarantine centre in the county.

The governor said county leaders had unanimously rejected the proposal, arguing there were currently no Ebola cases in Laikipia and introducing infected persons into the area would endanger residents.

“This is a very bad virus, and we cannot expose our people to it,” Irungu said in a recent address.

The issue has since escalated into a national controversy, with critics questioning why Kenya would be considered a quarantine destination for foreign Ebola patients.

Kenya has previously handled infectious disease emergencies, including COVID-19 and regional Ebola preparedness exercises, although the country has never experienced a major Ebola outbreak within its borders.