Fresh satellite images have revealed that a United States-backed Ebola treatment center in Laikipia is now taking shape, despite earlier court orders trying to stop it.
The first image, captured on May 19, showed the site at Laikipia Air Base with very little activity. But a newer image taken on June 6 tells a different story. Several large tents have been put up, and vehicles can now be seen parked around what looks like a small field hospital. It appears construction has moved quickly over just a few weeks.
The Kenyan government gave the United States the green light to build the facility several months ago. But not everyone was happy with the decision. Many locals opposed the plan, and some protesters even went to court to try and block it. The High Court responded by issuing temporary orders that stopped the project from moving forward.
Despite those orders, the latest satellite evidence suggests work has continued. It is still unclear whether the government or the US side has found a legal way around the court’s decision.
In the meantime, Kenya is set to receive Ksh1.75 billion from the US government. Officials say the money is meant to help Kenya prepare for any possible Ebola outbreak and strengthen its ability to respond to health emergencies.
Neither the Kenyan government nor the US embassy has commented on why construction appears to have resumed before the court has made a final ruling.
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