President William Ruto has defended Kenya's partnership with the United States to strengthen the country's preparedness against Ebola, insisting that public health measures should not be politicised despite growing opposition to a planned quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base.
His defence comes as the Kenyan government faces accusations of pressing ahead with aspects of the project despite a High Court order temporarily suspending its implementation and barring the entry of foreign patients pending further proceedings.
The dispute has become one of the most contentious public health debates in Kenya in recent months, with critics questioning the decision to host American citizens exposed to Ebola while working in East and Central Africa. The court later extended its suspension order and directed the government to disclose details of the agreement to the public.
Speaking during a media roundtable at Wajir State Lodge on Tuesday, Ruto said the government was taking all necessary precautions to protect Kenyans from potential Ebola outbreaks in the region.
"The health and safety of Kenyans remain our top priority. As part of our preparedness measures against the Ebola threat, the Government is taking all necessary steps to prevent, detect, and manage any potential cases, while strengthening our public health response capabilities with the support of our international partners, including the Government of the United States," Ruto said.
The President noted that Kenya's long-standing relationship with Washington has previously supported the country's response to major health crises, including HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 and Ebola.
"Kenya's partnership with the United States spans decades and has played an important role in supporting our response to major public health challenges, including HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 and Ebola," he said.
At the centre of the controversy is a proposed 50-bed isolation and monitoring facility at Laikipia Air Base that would be supported by the United States government.
Under the arrangement, American citizens exposed to Ebola while working in parts of East and Central Africa would be monitored in Kenya instead of being transported back to the United States.
The proposal emerged as health authorities across the region heightened surveillance following outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kenya has not reported any Ebola cases.
Ruto dismissed concerns that the Laikipia facility would be unusual, saying it forms part of a much larger national preparedness network.
"The quarantine facility being established at Laikipia Air Base with the support of the United States is neither unique nor exceptional, but part of a broader national preparedness system," he said.
According to the President, the facility is one of 23 centres designated under Kenya's disease preparedness framework, alongside facilities at Kenyatta National Hospital, the National Police Service Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital and Alupe Hospital.
"These measures are intended solely to safeguard public health and strengthen our capacity to respond effectively to health emergencies," he added.
The project has nevertheless triggered intense public debate and protests, particularly in Laikipia County, where residents and local leaders argue that hosting foreign individuals exposed to Ebola could expose nearby communities to unnecessary risks and place additional strain on Kenya's health system.
Some civil society groups, medical professionals and political leaders have also questioned whether the arrangement adequately protects Kenya's national interests. Businesses in the tourism-dependent Nanyuki area have reported concerns over cancellations linked to fears surrounding the proposed facility.
Reports that military aircraft linked to the project continued operating at Laikipia Air Base despite the court order have further fuelled tensions and public protests.
Despite the backlash, Ruto maintained that the government's actions are guided by public health considerations and lessons learned from previous health emergencies.
"Similar partnerships proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the establishment of a specialised facility at Nairobi Hospital, and continue to enhance our preparedness today," he said.
The President urged leaders and stakeholders to avoid turning public health interventions into political contests.
"I urge leaders and stakeholders not to politicise public health interventions and reaffirm the Government's commitment to protecting the health and well-being of all Kenyans," Ruto said.
Beyond the Ebola preparedness measures, Ruto said he also reviewed progress on key development projects in Northern Kenya, noting efforts to expand economic opportunities and accelerate inclusive growth across the region.
This structure elevates the court-order defiance angle from paragraph 14 to paragraph 2, where readers immediately understand that the controversy is not just about Ebola preparedness but also about a government proceeding with a project that is under judicial challenge.
