Why I okayed proposed Ebola facility in Laikipia; President Ruto
Why I okayed proposed Ebola facility in Laikipia; President Ruto
President William Ruto has defended Kenya’s decision to host an Ebola health facility at Laikipia Air Base, saying it’s part of a long-standing partnership with the United States in global health security and pandemic response.
The President said the arrangement is part of Kenya’s collaboration with international partners in strengthening public health systems.
Speaking on Monday during a media roundtable in Wajir, Ruto said the government had already activated comprehensive preparedness measures to respond to any potential Ebola outbreak, including isolation units, surveillance systems, and treatment facilities.
“When President Trump asked the government of Kenya to support them by having a centre at Laikipia Air Base, I gave the okay because it was an agreement and a partnership with friends who have worked with Kenya for 30 or 40 years. The American government has supported us,” Ruto said.
“They have deployed huge resources in Kenya to work with us on HIV/AIDS and other diseases. They worked with us on Ebola. In fact, KEMRI was one of the institutions that worked on research on the vaccines for COVID because we have a solid partnership with America and other partners.”
Ruto said surveillance and screening operations had been intensified across the country, with all border points placed on high alert.
“We have deployed every arsenal that we have to make sure that we protect Kenya, that we deal with the challenge. We have made preparations for isolation units, for surveillance, for treatment,” he said.
He said 23 counties had already activated response mechanisms, with designated hospitals prepared to handle suspected cases.
On average, the government screens about 3,000 people daily at entry points, including travellers and transit passengers, as part of early detection measures.
“Fortunately for our country, not a single person tested has tested positive for Ebola,” he said.
The President urged leaders and citizens to trust the government’s preparedness, dismissing concerns about Kenya’s readiness as unfounded.
He also defended the Laikipia arrangement, saying it was consistent with other health collaborations between Kenya and its partners, and not an isolated or unusual undertaking.
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Ruto pointed to past joint initiatives, including COVID-19 response support and international health facilities established during the pandemic, as evidence of successful cooperation.
He cited the United Nations facility in Nairobi that served global staff and other patients during COVID-19 as an example of Kenya’s role in hosting multinational health response efforts.
The Head of State said Kenya currently operates more than 20 specialised health facilities across the country, including Kenyatta National Hospital, the Police Hospital in Nairobi, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Thika, and Alupe Hospital in Busia, among others.
Ruto also defended Kenya’s regional health security posture, noting the country’s involvement in supporting stability and humanitarian needs in neighbouring states, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Kenyan personnel and civilians could be exposed to infectious disease risks.
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