U.S. assures Kenya Ebola center poses no risk, despite court order and protests

The U.S. Embassy in Kenya has moved to reassure the public that a planned U.S. bio-isolation facility in Laikipia will not endanger local communities. The center is intended as part of a comprehensive regional response to prevent the spread of Ebola and bolster Kenya's overall health security.

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The bio-isolation facilities in Laikipia are part of a comprehensive response for the region to prevent the spread of the disease and reduce health risks for Kenya as a whole. They do not pose a risk to nearby communities.

Despite these assurances, a Kenyan court has intervened, ordering the government to disclose the specifics of the agreement with the U.S. and temporarily halting the center's establishment. The High Court also issued a precautionary measure to prevent the admission or transfer of individuals exposed to or infected with the virus into the country.

Protests have already taken place near the proposed site, with hundreds demonstrating against the anti-Ebola center. The U.S. Embassy acknowledged the legal action and stated it is working with the Kenyan government to address concerns and communicate the project's objectives. The embassy also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve border detection, testing, and response in high-risk counties, emphasizing that enhanced isolation capacity for asymptomatic individuals will protect Kenya's clinical resources for its citizens.

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We are aware of the legal action filed in Kenya and are actively working with the Kenyan government to resolve any objections and communicate our shared objectives to the people of Kenya.

The U.S. has provided significant funding to combat the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and broader regional humanitarian efforts, underscoring its commitment to containing the disease at its source and preventing its spread to Kenya and the United States. Official data indicates ongoing cases in the DRC and neighboring Uganda.

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Beyond Laikipia, we are working with Kenya to improve border detection, provide accurate testing, and strengthen response in high-risk counties.