High Court Suspends US-Backed Ebola Facility - May 2026

The High Court in Kenya has issued a temporary order suspending the establishment and operation of any US-backed Ebola quarantine, isolation, or treatment facilities in the country. This decision came after a legal challenge by lobby groups concerned about public safety. The Katiba Institute had filed a petition at the High Court in Nairobi seeking to halt plans for the establishment of Ebola treatment centers in Kenya. Kenya had approved a US plan to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, with America committing Ksh1.7 billion to bolster the country's preparedness efforts. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss the ongoing Ebola outbreak and reinforce Kenya's preparedness. President William Ruto announced the formation of a National Response Committee to bolster Kenya's preparedness for Ebola, following outbreaks in neighboring countries. Kenya's Parliamentary Health Committee has summoned Health CS Aden Duale and other ministry officials over the government's approval of a US Ebola quarantine center.