The United States has commended Kenya for its support in the fight against Ebola, even as disagreements grow over a planned quarantine facility in the country.
The recognition came after a meeting between President William Ruto and Massad Boulos, the US senior advisor for Arab and African affairs. The talks happened on Tuesday, June 9, in Oslo, Norway.
Following the meeting, Boulos thanked President Ruto for what he called Kenya's "steadfast partnership" in responding to Ebola. He added that both nations have important roles to play in fighting the outbreak and protecting their people.
The US official also revealed that the Trump administration has given more than Ksh 25.8 billion, which is about 200 million US dollars, in direct support to Ebola response efforts. This money is on top of another Ksh 45.2 billion, or 350 million dollars, set aside for Ebola response and other humanitarian aid in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda.
That amount is part of a much larger Ksh 232 billion contribution to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
However, the positive talks come at a tense time in Kenya. In Laikipia County, there have been strong protests over an Ebola quarantine facility that the Trump administration is backing. On Tuesday, just before the meeting in Oslo, a large protest took place in Nanyuki. During that protest, one person was killed and more than 50 others were arrested.
What has made people even angrier is that construction of the facility has reportedly started, even though a court order has banned it. This has raised serious questions about how much power the executive branch and the US government have over Kenyan courts.
The meeting in Norway also touched on other regional issues. Both sides talked about the need to end the conflict in Sudan. They stressed the importance of a humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire. Boulos said external actors must stop fueling the war by giving military support to the fighting parties.
0 Comments