The Parliamentary Health Committee has summoned Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and other ministry officials regarding the government’s approval of a proposed US Ebola quarantine center, instructing them to appear next Tuesday.
This comes after the High Court on Friday, May 29, issued conservatory orders for a center in Laikipia County.
The orders were issued following an urgent petition filed by the Katiba Institute at the Milimani Law Courts, requesting a halt to facility implementation until the case is determined.
The court further warned that non-compliance with the conservatory orders would result in penal consequences for individuals or institutions violating the directive.
In its petition, the Katiba Institute argued that the proposed arrangement raises significant constitutional and public health concerns and should be immediately halted pending judicial determination.
On May 28, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale addressed growing public concern, stating that any international agreements concerning the handling of Ebola-exposed foreign nationals in Kenya would be strictly governed by domestic public health laws and stringent biosafety standards.
However, critics argue that the arrangement puts Kenya at greater risk of a dangerous disease outbreak.
For many Kenyans, these developments recall the Covid-19 pandemic when the country implemented strict containment measures including airport screening, quarantine centers, and curfews.
The prospect of intentionally bringing Ebola-exposed individuals into a densely populated country like Kenya has sparked widespread public anxiety.
According to reports, the quarantine center was expected to be operational within a week, beginning as a 50-bed field hospital with potential to expand up to 250 beds.
Additionally, the facility was to be staffed by personnel from the U.S. Public Health Service.
Following discussions on Thursday evening, the U.S. Department of Foreign Assistance confirmed a Ksh1.74 billion commitment to support Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts.