Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale informed Parliament that the planned Ebola isolation and treatment center in Laikipia County is one of 23 similar facilities being created nationwide as part of Kenya’s national preparedness and response strategy.
The Secretary explained that these centers are being established through a collaborative national effort between Kenya and the United States aimed at enhancing the nation’s ability to respond to highly infectious diseases.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the Laikipia facility and other designated centers will be operated jointly under an organized command structure that includes the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Ministry of Health.
This command structure will feature the KDF Air Force Commander, base commanders, and military medical personnel collaborating closely with civilian health professionals from the Ministry of Health to guarantee strict containment, swift response, and operational effectiveness.
“All facilities will be managed jointly under a coordinated command system that brings together the KDF Air Force Commander, base commanders, military medical teams, and the Ministry of Health,” he stated.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that this initiative demonstrates Kenya’s preparedness to manage complex infectious disease outbreaks while reinforcing its status as a regional medical center capable of addressing high-risk public health crises like Ebola.
Nevertheless, he mentioned that the legal framework concerning the international health agreement and containment protocols is currently under judicial review.
“Adhering to the principle of sub judice and the Standing Orders of this House, I will not address the merits of any ongoing legal proceedings,” he explained.
“Nevertheless, I will continue to update this House on the government’s health stance and readiness levels.”
The Cabinet Secretary also drew attention to the regional aspect of the preparedness plan, pointing out that numerous Kenyans are employed in Ebola-affected nations including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
He additionally informed Parliament that around 450 KDF members are stationed in the DRC as part of the United Nations MONUSCO peacekeeping mission, creating potential exposure risks that necessitate strong quarantine and isolation capabilities upon their return.
“Any of these Kenyan personnel might be exposed and could need isolation and quarantine facilities upon their return,” he noted.
The Cabinet Secretary stated that the government has already created and designated numerous isolation and treatment centers throughout the nation, comprising national referral hospitals, county isolation units, temporary holding areas at entry points, and other specialized treatment locations.
He clarified that all these facilities are undergoing systematic evaluation for quality, safety, and preparedness to facilitate rapid deployment in case of suspected or confirmed Ebola cases.
“All these facilities are intended for safeguarding the Kenyan population and all individuals within Kenyan territory and are administered under the authority of the Government of Kenya,” he affirmed.
The government asserts that the multi-layered response system is designed to improve early detection, reinforce containment capabilities, and maintain Kenya’s readiness for any emerging infectious disease threats.