Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has stated that the government will not conduct public participation before establishing a planned Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, saying the law grants authorities the power to act swiftly during public health emergencies.
Appearing before the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Duale defended the government's approach amid growing public debate over the proposed facility and reports linking it to broader Ebola preparedness efforts involving international partners.
According to the CS, the threat posed by infectious diseases such as Ebola requires urgent interventions that cannot be subjected to lengthy consultation processes.
“Under the Public Health Act, we don’t need to do public participation; we are not going to consult citizens. Even MPs, when they fall sick, rush to the doctor to make sure they get the best treatment. This epidemic does not require any consultation,” Duale told lawmakers.
He argued that the government's primary responsibility is to protect citizens from potential health threats before they escalate into national emergencies.
“Tomorrow, God forbid if Ebola is found in this country, this House will call me back here to ask why Kenyans are dying. Before Kenyans are infected, the government has a responsibility to protect them,” he added.
Duale also questioned resistance from some leaders and residents regarding the location of quarantine and isolation facilities, asking where patients would receive treatment if counties declined to host such centres.
“If every county refuses to set up a quarantine facility, where will we treat Kenyans? Are we going to treat them up in the air? We, as the government, have a responsibility,” he said.
The Health CS further revealed that the government retains the option of establishing additional isolation facilities in military barracks or other secure locations across the country if necessary.
Seeking to address concerns that the facility would mainly benefit foreign nationals, Duale emphasized that the Laikipia centre would serve both Kenyans and international visitors, including American citizens, should the need arise.
“Laikipia will protect both Kenyans and the US citizens. The facilities will be used to treat both Kenyans and foreigners. Let’s not politicise it,” he stated.
Duale also pointed to Kenya's response during the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that international partners, including the United Nations and the United States, supported the country's health infrastructure without attracting similar controversy.
The government's position is expected to fuel further debate over the balance between emergency public health measures and public involvement in decisions with significant national implications.
