Duale defends Laikipia Ebola facility, says it will serve both Kenyans and Americans
Duale defends Laikipia Ebola facility, says it will serve both Kenyans and Americans
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has defended the government’s decision to establish a health facility in Laikipia in partnership with the United States, dismissing claims that it is being set up solely to host Americans exposed to Ebola.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Duale said the planned facility is a military installation that will serve both Kenyan and American nationals, particularly personnel operating in high-risk regions, and forms part of Kenya’s broader preparedness strategy against infectious disease outbreaks.
The CS sought to address growing concerns and speculation surrounding the project, insisting that the facility is intended to strengthen Kenya’s public health security and not to import Ebola patients into the country.
“In DRC, where the epicentre of Ebola is, I had an opportunity to visit there when I was Defence CS. There are over 350 KDF soldiers working for the UN today. We have a huge population of Kenyans working in DRC,” Duale stated.
“Why is it said we’re bringing Ebola patients to Laikipia? The facility is a military facility. KDF soldiers and other Kenyans will use that facility.”
The Health CS noted that Kenya’s participation in global health security initiatives requires the country to maintain robust preparedness systems capable of responding to infectious disease threats affecting both citizens and international partners.
He also defended Kenya’s longstanding health partnership with the United States, noting that American support has played a significant role in strengthening the country’s healthcare system over the years.
“If there’s one country that has contributed between 25 and 35 per cent of the health budget since independence, it is the US. That’s why today, the cooperation agreement we’ve signed is worth Ksh.206 billion,” he said.
Duale added that institutions such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) have benefited significantly from international partnerships, helping Kenya build some of the region’s strongest laboratory and disease surveillance systems.
President Ruto to visit South Africa next week for three-day state visit
USA responds after Kenyan court to suspends Ebola quarantine facility
Ol Kalou MP aspirant ditches DCP for Ruto’s faction
Two senior police officers arrested by EACC over bribery
According to the CS, the Laikipia facility is one of several isolation and treatment centres being established as part of the government’s Ebola preparedness plan.
He noted that the location was selected partly because it is situated far from densely populated communities, making it suitable for isolation and emergency response operations if needed.
“Kenya is part of the global health security system and we’re one of the countries with the best healthcare systems in terms of laboratories and surveillance,” he remarked.
Duale revealed that the government has already established an Incident Management Centre and an Emergency Response Centre in Nairobi to coordinate preparedness efforts.
He further disclosed that more than 1,000 healthcare workers have been trained on Ebola preparedness and response protocols as authorities continue to strengthen the country’s capacity to detect and manage potential cases.
The CS also revealed that 16 people have so far been tested for Ebola in Kenya, with all samples returning negative results.
Uganda urges men who survive Ebola to ‘avoid sex for at least 6 months’
52-year-old man arrested for allegedly defiling two minors, giving them Ksh.50 each
Please don’t kill me – Orengo speaks after an assassination attempt on his life
First responder details efforts to save trapped students at Utumishi Girls
Follow us
