Get you up to speed: Kenya minister says US-run Ebola facility plans halted after court order
Kenya has halted the construction of a United States-run Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia airbase after Health Minister Aden Duale declared a complete cessation following a court order. Protests against the facility, amidst concerns over its impact on the health system, have resulted in three fatalities in the area.
The construction of the facility at Laikipia airbase was intended to feature 50 isolation beds and would have been operated by US medical staff. As of now, Kenya has not reported any cases of Ebola, despite the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has led to over 1,000 confirmed cases and significant fatalities.
Health Minister Aden Duale announced the immediate cessation of construction for the US-run Ebola facility at Laikipia airbase, following a court directive amid public opposition. Rights groups and healthcare professionals have voiced concerns about the project’s impact on Kenya’s health system, as the country continues to monitor the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain whether the construction halt will impact future plans for the facility once the court hearing concludes.
Kenya halts construction of US-run Ebola facility following court order
News|HealthKenya minister says US-run Ebola facility plans halted after court order
Kenya stops constructing US-run Ebola site amid public outcry; $13.5m US funding is criticised as masking health risks.
Published On 23 Jun 202623 Jun 2026
Kenya has ordered a halt to preparations for a United States-run Ebola quarantine facility, the health minister has told a court after being held in contempt for ignoring a previous stop-work order.
The announcement on Tuesday comes amid strong opposition to the plan in Kenya. Deadly protests have taken place since the government confirmed plans to build the facility for potential US citizens evacuated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), which is grappling with a major Ebola outbreak.
The quarantine facility was being constructed at Laikipia airbase, about 200 kilometres (124 miles) from the capital, Nairobi, with some 50 isolation beds. It was expected to be managed by US medical staff.
“I have directed the immediate and complete cessation of any intended construction, site preparation, or related activities concerning the Laikipia airbase facility pending the hearing and determination of the substantive petition or until further orders of this court,” Health Minister Aden Duale said.
The minister spoke in court a day after he was held in contempt for failing to respond to multiple orders in late May and early June to halt activities.
Rights groups had petitioned the court, saying the facility was being developed secretly and without consultation. Kenyan doctors and medical professionals have been especially outspoken about the proposed Nanyuki site, arguing it would threaten the country’s already fragile health system.
Three people have been killed in unrest near the facility in Laikipia.
Civilians and healthcare workers have expressed anger over the prospect of importing the virus and criticised the Kenyan government’s acceptance of a $13.5m Ebola preparedness contribution from the US as whitewashing the deal. So far, the country has not recorded a case of Ebola.
The Ebola outbreak was confirmed in DR Congo in May. It has led to 1,048 confirmed cases and at least 267 deaths as of June 22, according to the Health Ministry. At least 75 healthcare workers in DRC have contracted the virus, with 17 deaths recorded.
Uganda – which neighbours Kenya – has reported 20 confirmed cases, including two deaths.