'We would look very inhuman', Ruto defends decision to allow US request for Ebola centre

Speaking during a state visit to South Africa, the President said the United States government has disbursed billions to support Kenya’s health infrastructure in the past, adding that it would be inhumane to deny its request to establish a facility at its own cost.

"I can tell you without fear of any contradiction, and I can look at everybody in the eye and tell you we are doing the right thing," President Ruto stated. 

"It would be the most unfortunate if, on one request by the Americans to set up a facility at their cost, we would refuse, we would look very inhuman," he added. 

The United States government has committed Ksh.1.7 billion to support President Ruto’s administration in strengthening Ebola preparedness efforts, with plans underway to establish a 50-bed quarantine and monitoring isolation facility within a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) base in Laikipia.

The agreement outlines the creation of a bio-isolation unit intended to enhance Kenya’s capacity to respond to potential Ebola cases and improve regional disease surveillance systems.

However, the proposed facility has sparked public concern, with critics warning that relocating potentially exposed foreign nationals to a country with no confirmed Ebola cases could pose a risk of accidental transmission.

Others have also questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the arrangement, noting that details of the deal were initially reported by international media outlets rather than official Kenyan government channels.

In response, the US Embassy in Kenya moved to allay fears, stating that the facility poses no risk to surrounding communities as strict health protocols will be observed.

“The bio-isolation facility in Laikipia is part of a holistic response to prevent spread of the disease and lessen health risks for the region as a whole; it does not pose risk to nearby communities,” the Embassy said.