US says Kenya Ebola facility concerns can be resolved after court halt

US responds to court suspension

The United States on Saturday said it was engaging Kenyan authorities and remains confident that concerns surrounding a proposed Ebola isolation facility could be resolved, after Kenya's High Court temporarily suspended the project pending judicial review. In a statement from the Office of Jeremy P. Lewin, the US under secretary for foreign assistance, humanitarian affairs, and religious freedom, Washington acknowledged the court action and expressed optimism that objections could be addressed. The statement marked the first public response from US officials since Justice Patricia Nyaundi issued temporary orders on Friday blocking the establishment or operationalization of the facility.

The proposed facility has generated intense debate in Kenya following reports that it could be used in connection with US preparedness measures involving American citizens potentially exposed to Ebola during the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A rights group challenged the project in court, arguing that it raised constitutional and public interest concerns that require full judicial scrutiny before any construction begins.

Political opposition questions rationale

The case has drawn significant political attention, with critics questioning why a facility linked to American Ebola response plans would be located in Kenya, while supporters argue the country has long served as a regional hub for public health operations. Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticized the proposed facility, arguing that Kenya should not be placed at the center of foreign Ebola preparedness efforts as the country itself has no confirmed outbreak. Other opposition figures and civil society groups have similarly called for greater transparency and public disclosure regarding any agreements between Nairobi and Washington.

Medical professionals have also weighed in on the debate. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union has called for full transparency over any agreements linked to the proposed facility, saying public health and safety concerns should be openly addressed before any such arrangement moves forward. Health officials in Nairobi have emphasized that any international health cooperation would be governed by Kenyan law, public health regulations, and strict biosafety standards.

Nairobi emphasizes surveillance measures

Kenya's Health Ministry has defended the country's role in global health security efforts, noting that Nairobi has strengthened surveillance measures in response to the regional Ebola outbreak. The ministry emphasized that any international health cooperation would be governed by Kenyan law, public health regulations, and strict biosafety standards.

Health officials said more than 55,000 travelers have been screened at ports of entry while suspected cases tested in Kenya have returned negative results. Enhanced screening at border points and airports, laboratory preparedness, and emergency response systems have been implemented to prevent any potential spread of the virus, according to ministry statements.