Kenya Suspends US‑Backed Ebola Quarantine Facility Construction After Court Order

Kenya’s Ministry of Health has halted construction of a US‑backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, following a Nairobi High Court injunction that suspended the project over legal and ethical concerns. Health Minister Aden Duale appeared before the court, apologized for breaching the earlier order and pledged to cease all site activities.

The $13.5 million facility, part of a US initiative to strengthen Ebola preparedness, had drawn criticism from the Katiba Institute and health experts who warned of public‑health risks, environmental impacts and procedural shortcomings. Despite the court order, independent monitors noted continued construction activity and flights delivering equipment. The ministry now says work is fully stopped while the judicial review proceeds.