US to send troops to help set up Ebola facility in Kenya
By Kenneth Mwenda, June 13, 2026The United States has deployed military personnel to Kenya to help establish a temporary Ebola isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base, amid rising concerns over outbreaks in parts of East Africa.
According to a statement carried by Stars and Stripes on Saturday, June 13, 2026, the deployment forms part of a wider $220 million (about Ksh28 billion) whole-of-government response led by the US State Department.
The facility is expected to support Ebola containment efforts linked to ongoing outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
A U.S. official told the publication that Africa Command (AFRICOM) sent personnel with specialised skills.
“Personnel include medical, engineer, communications, security and contract planners,” the official said.
The statement confirmed that the US military will not provide frontline medical care. Instead, troops will support logistics and construction efforts for other U.S. government agencies involved in the response.
“AFRICOM is not involved in other activities regarding Ebola, however, the command remains postured to support tasking if and when directed,” the official added.
It is, however, not clear when the troops will arrive in Laikipia to help in the setting up of the facility even as the government struggles with a court order which blocked the establishment of the quarantine center until the matter is heard and determined.
The Laikipia facility is designed as a temporary isolation unit for individuals exposed to Ebola, including American citizens, aid workers and officials operating in the region. It will be used for monitoring and quarantine before any evacuation to the United States.
Ebola facility sparks opposition
The deployment comes as Ebola cases continue to rise in eastern Africa. Health agencies report hundreds of infections in the DRC and Uganda, with dozens of deaths recorded. Kenya has not reported any confirmed cases so far, but authorities have increased surveillance at border points.
Kenyan officials say the project is part of regional preparedness. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale defended the initiative, saying it strengthens Kenya’s ability to respond to outbreaks.
“The aim is to protect lives and improve regional readiness,” Duale said in earlier remarks, while also confirming that construction was paused after a court order.
The High Court issued temporary conservatory orders following a petition by the Katiba Institute, which argued that the project lacked sufficient public participation and transparency. The ruling halted construction and operation of the facility pending further hearings.
The project has triggered public protests in parts of Laikipia, with residents expressing concern about safety and consultation. Police have at times used tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
The US Embassy in Nairobi has defended the broader response, saying it is part of efforts to strengthen regional health security. It noted that the facility would help isolate individuals safely and reduce pressure on local health systems.
The deployment is not the first Ebola-related mission for AFRICOM. In 2014, US troops played a major role in West Africa during the Ebola epidemic, building treatment centres and supporting logistics under Operation United Assistance.
Kenya continues to screen travellers at major entry points and has stepped up preparedness measures, including laboratory testing capacity and emergency response teams.
As legal proceedings continue, the case is expected back in court on June 16. Authorities from both Kenya and the United States say they are working to balance public concerns with urgent health security needs in the region.