Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced that the government will respect a court order blocking the establishment of an Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki. The facility, which has a 50-bed capacity and is backed by the United States, was meant to be part of preparedness measures in case the deadly virus finds its way into the country.
However, Duale has made it clear that he will not hesitate to use his powers under the Public Health Act if Kenya confirms even a single positive case of Ebola. He specifically mentioned Sections 35 and 36 of the Act, which allow him to enforce stricter measures without waiting for lengthy consultations. "An epidemic of this manner should not wait for more consultation. We have to save lives. We have to prepare the country," Duale said during a stakeholders' forum on Ebola preparedness and response held in Nairobi.
The court order stopping the facility is temporary, pending the determination of a petition challenging it. But Duale insisted that preparedness facilities are not evidence of an outbreak. They are simply precautionary measures to ensure the health system can respond effectively while protecting the public. His remarks came just hours after the High Court certified as urgent contempt proceedings against him and the Attorney General for allegedly disobeying court orders related to the matter.
Meanwhile, the Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to worsen. By Thursday this week, the caseload in the DRC had climbed to 676, with 136 deaths reported. The outbreak has also spread to neighbouring Uganda, raising concerns across East Africa. Kenya has not confirmed any Ebola case so far, but the Ministry of Health says it has ramped up surveillance and preparedness across the country.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni assured Kenyans that the government is standing strong and remaining highly vigilant. "Across the country, our disease surveillance systems are active and rigorous screening is happening at every border and airport," she said. Acting Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth went a step further and urged Kenyans to avoid non-essential travel to the DRC or Uganda for the time being. "Unless it is extremely necessary, for now we would urge you not to travel at this particular moment," he advised.
The forum in Nairobi also provided a platform to push for more public awareness and community sensitisation to help prevent the spread of the virus. Health officials continue to stress that the best defence against Ebola is a well-informed public that understands the risks and takes necessary precautions.
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