A bilateral health agreement between Kenya and the United States has positioned the Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki as a key site for Ebola preparedness.
Details indicate that a planned quarantine facility at the air base will be utilised to monitor individuals exposed to the virus.
Under the arrangement, Americans exposed to Ebola are to be sent to Kenya for monitoring at the location, which features a 50-bed quarantine capacity.
To support operations at the Laikipia facility, the US will deploy over 30 public health personnel. Financial commitments from Washington include an initial pledge of approximately Sh1.7 billion for the response, alongside a larger commitment of Sh14.4 billion in bilateral assistance earmarked for a regional Ebola response.
This regional focus comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reports over 220 deaths emanating from Ebola.
Beyond quarantine capabilities, the deal aims to strengthen health systems, disease surveillance, and testing infrastructure.
Kenya is also set to secure vital medical supplies specifically for Ebola preparedness. However, the implementation of this quarantine arrangement has hit a legal roadblock.
A Kenyan court has temporarily halted the initiative, with the next hearing scheduled for June 12, 2026.
President William Ruto 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.
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.
