Health CS Aden Duale has defended the government’s proposal to establish Ebola treatment and isolation units across the country, saying the plan is part of a broader national preparedness strategy aimed at strengthening response to highly infectious diseases, including Ebola.
Duale said the proposed isolation facility at Laikipia Airbase is among 23 similar units to be rolled out nationwide as Kenya seeks to improve early detection, containment, and treatment capacity for epidemic threats.
“The proposed Ebola treatment and isolation unit at Laikipia Airbase is part of the 23 similar units to be established in the country as part of our preparedness and response,” he said.
He added that the programme would strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional health hub.
“This proposed facility reaffirms Kenya’s position as a medical tourism hub in the East Africa region with capacity to offer specialized care for complex diseases like Ebola,” Duale said.
US caution and international guidance
The proposal has drawn attention from international partners, including the United States Embassy in Nairobi, which has emphasized the importance of strong biosafety standards, community engagement, and clear communication when establishing high-containment infectious disease units.
While expressing support for Kenya’s broader health preparedness agenda, US health partners have urged caution to ensure that such facilities are built in line with international protocols, warning that poor communication can fuel misinformation, stigma, and unnecessary panic among surrounding communities.
Public outrage and protests
The announcement has triggered significant public outrage in several areas, with residents and activists expressing anger over what they describe as lack of consultation and fear of potential health risks associated with hosting Ebola isolation units near populated areas and strategic facilities.
In Laikipia and other counties mentioned in the rollout plan, sections of residents have taken to the streets in protest, carrying placards and demanding that the government halt or relocate the facilities. The demonstrations have been fueled by concerns over safety, stigma, and uncertainty about emergency preparedness protocols.
Some protesters accused the government of failing to adequately engage communities before selecting sites, arguing that while disease preparedness is important, it should not come at the cost of local consent and transparency. Others warned that the facilities could negatively affect property values and public perception of affected areas.
Political clash
The plan has also sparked political confrontation.
Ndindi Nyoro questioned the practicality of the rollout, warning that counties may refuse to host such facilities if consultations are not handled properly.
In response, Duale dismissed the criticism, insisting that national preparedness cannot be compromised by political hesitation.
“Ndindi Nyoro, I think you are very unfair,” he said. “If all counties refused to host isolation centres the way you are suggesting, where would Kenyans who would be infected, God-forbid, go?”
Government position
The Ministry of Health maintains that the 23 isolation units are part of a decentralised emergency preparedness system designed to ensure rapid response to outbreaks, reduce pressure on national referral hospitals, and improve Kenya’s resilience against future epidemics.
Officials say the facilities will be developed under strict biosafety guidelines and integrated into national surveillance systems as part of ongoing health sector reforms.
