Lobby raises concern over proposed Ebola facility and national park

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Ebola virus/FILE

A lobby group has called for greater transparency and public participation in the proposed establishment of an Ebola research and containment facility in Kenya, while also raising concerns over alleged encroachment on public land and developments affecting Nairobi National Park.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Justice and Equity Council (JEC) said Kenyans deserve clear information regarding the purpose of the proposed Ebola facility, the legal framework under which it was approved, environmental and biosafety assessments undertaken, and any agreements signed with foreign governments or institutions.

The organisation argued that projects involving dangerous pathogens should be subjected to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, scientific scrutiny and public oversight.

JEC also expressed concern over reports of continued loss, allocation and privatization of public land, calling for an immediate national audit of disputed public land transactions and the suspension of contested allocations pending independent investigations.

The council further urged the government to safeguard Nairobi National Park, describing it as a national heritage asset of significant ecological, environmental and economic value. It said any developments affecting the park, wildlife corridors or ecosystem should undergo full public participation and independent environmental review.

At the same time, the organisation condemned the alleged arrest and intimidation of citizens protesting environmental degradation, public land disputes and concerns surrounding Nairobi National Park.

It called for the release of individuals detained solely for participating in peaceful demonstrations, arguing that peaceful protest is a constitutional right.

The council said it would begin consultations with Members of Parliament, constitutional experts and civil society organisations on possible constitutional accountability measures against public officials if investigations establish violations of the Constitution.

Among its demands, JEC wants full disclosure of all agreements, approvals and assessments relating to the proposed Ebola facility, protection of Nairobi National Park, investigations into alleged constitutional violations, and enhanced parliamentary oversight.

The government has previously maintained that development projects undertaken in the country are subject to existing legal and regulatory frameworks, including environmental and public participation requirements where applicable.

The concerns come amid ongoing public debate over environmental conservation, management of public resources and the balance between development projects and constitutional safeguards.