Laikipia MPs oppose planned establishment of Ebola treatment centre in the county

Members of Parliament from Laikipia County have strongly opposed plans to establish a United States-backed Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in the county, demanding full disclosure from the national government over the proposed project.

In a joint statement released on Friday, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere, Laikipia West MP Wachira Karani and Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri said they were deeply concerned by reports that the government intends to set up the facility at the Laikipia Air Base.

While acknowledging the importance of international cooperation in containing dangerous disease outbreaks, the leaders questioned the lack of information surrounding the proposal.

The MPs raised several concerns, including why the government has not fully disclosed its intentions and why Laikipia was selected as the preferred location for the facility.

“Our collective conscience is greatly disturbed by the news that there is intention by the Government of Kenya to have an Ebola Quarantine and Treatment Facility in Laikipia County. We strongly recognize the importance of coordinated efforts to protect humanity against the spread of such dangerous outbreaks, however, we have serious concerns and questions that need to be answered before any move is taken,” read the statement.

“Why is the Government not giving full disclosure of its intentions? Why Laikipia? What does the US Government know about this that they are not accepting their own affected citizens into their soil but are ready to have them elsewhere? Why not set up the facility at the source of the outbreak (the Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC) for greater, speedy and efficient management?”

The leaders further wondered whether the United States, given its resources and influence, would be better placed to support the establishment of a fully equipped treatment facility in the DRC rather than elsewhere.

The legislators said they see no justification for Kenya, and specifically Laikipia County, hosting the proposed quarantine and treatment centre.

They called on the national government to provide full transparency on the matter, insisting that the safety and protection of Kenyans must remain the highest priority.

“The safety and protection of our people MUST and SHOULD remain the highest priority. Finally, we urge the residents of Laikipia and Kenyans at large to remain calm as the relevant government agencies provide clarification on this matter that is of utmost importance to all of us,” they stated.

This comes after the High Court on Friday temporarily stopped the government from establishing or operationalising any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in Kenya under any arrangement with the United States of America or any other foreign government or agency.

The court 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 court directive followed a commitment by the United States government of $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.