Kenyan Court Halts Plans for Ebola Quarantine Facility for Americans

A high court in Kenya has issued a temporary halt to the creation of an Ebola quarantine facility intended for American citizens. This decision impacts the U.S. government’s goals of having the 50-bed facility operational by Friday. The court’s order, received by The New York Times, follows a petition questioning the constitutionality of the quarantine center.

The petition was filed by a civil society group, the Katiba Institute. They have underscored the necessity for the Kenyan government to reveal details about any agreement allowing American citizens to be quarantined in Kenya. The suspension’s duration remains uncertain, with further hearings scheduled for Tuesday.

According to U.S. officials, the proposed quarantine unit would be located at a military air base in Laikipia, approximately 100 miles north of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. The plan is to house Americans potentially exposed to Ebola.

Nora Mbagathi, the Katiba Institute’s executive director, stated, “No one is saying that we are against international collaboration and support when it comes to tackling that crisis. But there are procedures and processes in the Constitution and they are there for a reason.”

Tommy Pigott, a State Department spokesman, announced a commitment of $13.5 million by the United States to Kenyan Ebola preparedness. This statement followed a conversation between President William Ruto of Kenya and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, details about the quarantine facility were not mentioned.

On social media, President Ruto confirmed discussions with foreign envoys, including U.S. representatives, about Ebola measures. He highlighted the necessity of cooperation but did not refer to the American quarantine facility.

Kenya has historically not recorded any Ebola cases, sparking criticism from the main doctors’ union regarding the preparedness of local health facilities for such a crisis. Davji Atellah, the union’s secretary general, pointed out the focus on American citizens while lacking plans for addressing potential infections among Kenyans.