U.S 'optimistic' court challenge against Ebola facility in Kenya will be resolved

The United States government has expressed confidence that it will resolve concerns raised over plans to establish an Ebola isolation and treatment facility in Kenya, even as the High Court temporarily halted the project following a legal challenge.

In a statement issued in response to the court action, the U.S. Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs and Religious Freedom said Washington was engaging Kenyan authorities over the matter and remained optimistic that the objections would be addressed.

“We are aware of the court action filed in Kenya against the Ebola isolation facility. We are in touch with Kenyan authorities and are optimistic we can resolve objections,” read the statement.

The remarks come after the High Court on Friday issued conservatory orders temporarily stopping the government from setting up an Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya pending the hearing and determination of a petition challenging the project.

The case was filed amid growing public concern following reports that the United States was considering sending American citizens exposed to the Ebola virus to Kenya for monitoring and treatment as part of wider efforts to contain an outbreak in the region.

The proposed facility has generated sharp political and public debate, with critics questioning the rationale for hosting foreign Ebola-exposed individuals and demanding greater transparency from the government regarding any agreements reached with Washington.

The court intervention also followed opposition from a section of leaders, particularly from Laikipia County, where reports had suggested a U.S.-backed Ebola facility could be established.

The leaders argued that local communities had not been adequately consulted and called for full disclosure of the project's scope, safety measures and potential risks.

Despite the concerns, both the Kenyan and U.S. governments have consistently framed the discussions as part of broader international health security cooperation rather than a unilateral arrangement.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale earlier this week confirmed that Kenya was engaged in ongoing discussions with the U.S. government and other global partners on strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats.

“The Government of Kenya notes ongoing discussions with US government and other global partners regarding international collaboration on strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats,” Duale said.

While acknowledging the talks, Duale emphasized that any arrangements would be subject to Kenya's laws and public health safeguards.

“Any arrangements regarding international health cooperation will be guided by Kenya's national laws, public health regulations, biosafety and biosecurity standards, and the overriding responsibility of Government to safeguard the health and welfare of the people of Kenya,” he said.

The CS further stressed that “protection of Kenyan citizens, frontline health workers and communities remains paramount.”

The latest U.S. statement also comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a telephone conversation with President William Ruto to discuss the Ebola outbreak and ongoing response efforts.

Following the talks, the U.S. government announced plans to commit $13.5 million (about Ksh1.75 billion) towards Kenya's Ebola preparedness programme, in addition to $112 million already committed to the broader regional response.

According to the State Department, Rubio and Ruto discussed securing vital medical supplies for Kenya and ensuring the country's health system remains prepared to respond to any potential Ebola cases.

Kenya has maintained that it possesses the technical capacity and infrastructure required to manage highly infectious diseases.

The Ministry of Health says it has activated the National Incident Management System, enhanced surveillance at points of entry, strengthened laboratory testing capacity and intensified preparedness measures across the country.

Government figures show that more than 55,000 travellers have so far been screened for Ebola at various entry points, while ten suspected cases tested in Kenya have all returned negative results.