Kenya’s Court Halts U.S. Plans for Ebola Quarantine Unit

A high court in Kenya has stopped the U.S. government’s plan to set up an Ebola quarantine unit for American citizens in the country. This decision has challenged the Trump administration’s intention to have the facility operational by Friday.

The court order was issued on Thursday after a petition by a civil society group questioned the constitutionality of the planned quarantine facility. While it remains uncertain how long the suspension will last, a further hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.

The petitioning group, the Katiba Institute, seeks to oblige the Kenyan government to disclose any agreements related to housing American citizens. The U.S. had announced plans for a 50-bed facility at a military air base in Laikipia, located about 100 miles north of Nairobi.

Nora Mbagathi, the Katiba Institute’s executive director, emphasized the need for adherence to constitutional procedures, stating, “No one is saying that we are against international collaboration and support when it comes to tackling that crisis. But there are procedures and processes in the Constitution and they are there for a reason.”

Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the State Department, announced the U.S. would invest $13.5 million towards Ebola readiness in Kenya. This follows a conversation between Kenyan President William Ruto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, although the quarantine unit was not mentioned in their discussion.

On social media, President Ruto highlighted the discussions he had with international representatives on Ebola preparedness. Yet, he omitted any reference to the proposed facility for Americans. There has been criticism from some quarters due to the fact that Kenya has not encountered an Ebola case, raising concerns about its capability to manage such an outbreak efficiently.

Davji Atellah, head of the doctors’ union, voiced concern over the facility’s focus. He argued, “This quarantine center is American-focused,” and noted the lack of plans for Kenyan citizens who may contract Ebola.