High Court stops Gov't from setting up Ebola quarantine, treatment facility in Kenya

The court has also barred the government from admitting into Kenya, transferring, receiving or facilitating the entry of persons exposed to or infected with Ebola under the contested arrangement until the case is heard and determined.

The conservatory orders were issued after the court certified a petition by the Katiba Institute as urgent.

The petition challenges an alleged arrangement between Kenya and foreign governments, including the United States, regarding the handling of Ebola cases.

The court directed that the orders will remain in force pending the inter-partes hearing of the application.

At the same time, the petitioner was ordered to physically serve the Notice of Motion and the petition on all respondents within 24 hours.

The respondents were further directed to file and serve their responses to the application within 48 hours after being served.

The matter is expected to be mentioned for further directions after parties comply with the court’s timelines.

The temporary orders now suspend any plans by the government to establish Ebola-related quarantine, isolation or treatment facilities or facilitate the entry of Ebola-exposed or infected persons into the country under the disputed arrangement until the court hears both sides.

The order comes after the United States government announced that it had committed $13.5 million (approximately Ksh.1.75 billion) to support Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts as Washington and Nairobi intensify coordination amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region and reports that Americans exposed to the virus could be monitored and treated in Kenya.

According to a statement attributed to U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with President William Ruto on the outbreak and ongoing public health response efforts.

"The United States Government intends to commit $13.5 million toward Kenya's Ebola preparedness efforts and has already committed to providing $112 million in bilateral assistance to the regional response," the statement said.