Kenyan Health Minister Defends Ebola Center Deal, Rules Out Public Consultations

Kenya's Health Minister Aden Duale has firmly defended a controversial agreement with the United States to construct an Ebola quarantine center, asserting that public consultation is unnecessary for such health interventions. The plan, which involves a $13.5 million U.S. investment to build a facility at the Laikipia air base near Nanyuki, has faced significant backlash from local communities and healthcare unions.

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We are not going to consult citizens. According to the Public Health Order, no consultation is required.

Despite the opposition and a Kenyan court's order to publicize the plan's details and halt construction, Duale argued in parliament that public consultation is not mandated by public health orders. He emphasized that international cooperation does not equate to a surrender of national authority, assuring that all public health decisions remain under Kenyan government control.

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International cooperation does not imply the renunciation of our national authority and sovereignty. All public health decisions in Kenya remain under the authority of the Kenyan Government.

Duale further stated that Kenyan health professionals will spearhead the operational aspects of the 'Ebola Isolation and Treatment Unit' in Laikipia, working alongside their American counterparts. This facility is intended to be part of a broader national network of 23 similar centers aimed at bolstering Kenya's preparedness and specialized care capabilities for infectious diseases.

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If well-being is not in your hands, it is not in your hands. If you do not have the power to do it, it is not in your hands.

The minister highlighted the government's moral and constitutional duty to protect both Kenyans and foreign nationals. He noted that while Kenya remains Ebola-free, the government has significantly enhanced its preparedness measures. Official data indicates that 71,000 travelers have been screened, and 22 suspected cases have been ruled out. The country also boasts 241 experts and has trained at least 1,000 healthcare workers.

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While Kenya remains free of Ebola, the Government has significantly strengthened preparedness measures to safeguard public health.