Laikipia residents reject Ebola planned facility, cite health and economic risks

A street in Nanyuki town, the headquarters of Laikipia county/ ALICE WAITHERA

Residents of Laikipia have rejected the proposed establishment of an Ebola quarantine and isolation facility in Nanyuki, saying it will exposed them to health risks and negatively affect the county’s economy.

Grace Wanene said the county was already struggling with challenges in healthcare and sanitation and should not be tasked with hosting a facility linked to a highly infectious disease.

“I don’t think we have the capacity. I don’t think it is humane for them to bring that to our county, especially being that we are going to host foreigners, not even our very own Kenyans in these facilities,” she said.

Wanene argued that the proposed facility would increase fear among residents and place additional pressure on an already stretched health system. She said the county should instead focus on addressing existing challenges such as maternal healthcare and cancer treatment.

Another resident Jane Putunoi said the proposal had generated anxiety among locals who were worried about their safety and livelihoods. “We want to reject this issue of an Ebola quarantine in our county because it poses danger and is going to cause a lot of fear in our communities,” she said.

The opposition comes amid growing debate following reports that the national government was considering establishing a quarantine centre in Nanyuki as part of emergency preparedness measures against a possible Ebola outbreak.

The centre will reportedly host American citizens infected with the virus from DR Congo.

Local leaders say the county should not host the facility, citing concerns over public safety and the potential impact on tourism and business activities.

In statements issued on Friday, Senator John Kinyua and Governor Joshua Irungu said they would oppose any plans by the national government and international partners to establish the facility within Laikipia county.

Kinyua accused the government of failing to prioritise the safety of Kenyans and warned against turning Laikipia into what he described as “a dumping site for death.”

The senator also questioned why Kenya would consider hosting Ebola-related cases from foreign countries instead of strengthening border surveillance and tightening restrictions on travel from affected regions.

MPs including Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East), Sarah Korere (Laikipia North) and Wachira Karani (Laikipia West) have also rejected the proposal, insisting that the safety, dignity and wellbeing of residents must remain the top priority.

The leaders said they will continue pushing for the proposed facility to be relocated elsewhere, arguing that Nanyuki’s strategic position as a tourism destination, business centre and military hub makes it unsuitable for such a facility.

The controversy has since attracted legal attention after the High Court temporarily suspended the proposed arrangement.

Justice Patricia Nyaundi issued conservatory orders barring the government from establishing, operationalising or facilitating any Ebola quarantine, isolation or treatment facility linked to the proposed arrangement pending the hearing and determination of a petition filed by Katiba Institute.

The court further stopped the admission into Kenya of persons exposed to or infected with Ebola under the proposed deal until the matter is heard and determined.

The case, which was certified urgent, is scheduled for mention on June 2, 2026, for further directions ahead of an expedited hearing.

The developments have sparked mixed reactions across the country, with some Kenyans supporting enhanced preparedness measures while others have raised concerns about the country’s ability to safely manage highly infectious diseases.

Although no Ebola case has been confirmed in Kenya, the Ministry of Health has heightened surveillance at border points and airports following outbreaks reported in parts of Africa.

Public health officials maintain that preparedness measures are necessary to ensure the country can respond swiftly and effectively in the event of an outbreak.