A Kenyan High Court judge on Friday temporarily blocked an attempt by the United States to establish an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya to house Americans.
White House officials had earlier stated that a 50-bed facility would be operational by Friday for American citizens exposed to or infected with Ebola.
The court suspended the setup of the center pending a hearing, according to Kenyan journalist Waihiga Mwaura. A further hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
The Katiba Institute, a civil society group, sought to compel the Kenyan government— which has not confirmed any agreement to accept American citizens—to disclose details of any such arrangement.
U.S. officials reported that the facility would be set up at a military air base in Laikipia, approximately 100 miles north of Nairobi, and was expected to be operational by Friday.
Nora Mbagathi, executive director of the Katiba Institute, stated: “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.”
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott announced on Thursday that the United States would commit $13.5 million to Ebola preparation efforts in Kenya following a phone call between Kenyan President William Ruto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
President Ruto emphasized: “International solidarity is vital, particularly in times of multiple crises. As a key regional gateway, financial hub, and host to major international organisations, Kenya remains vigilant and committed to swift, coordinated action to protect regional health security following the Ebola outbreak in neighbouring countries.” He noted that surveillance measures have been intensified across 26 Points of Entry, with over 58,000 travelers screened and all suspected cases testing negative. Additionally, 17 isolation centers have been identified nationwide.
Rubio added: “The number one priority of our foreign policy is to protect the American people. We cannot and will not allow any cases of Ebola to enter the United States.”
The Kenyan court issued a conservatory order on Friday, restraining respondents from establishing any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in Kenya.
The Law Society of Kenya has also filed a constitutional petition against the proposed center, though no ruling is expected immediately.
Katiba Institute noted: “Kenya appears to have been selected as an alternative containment site, thereby externalizing infectious disease risk management to the Republic’s territory.”
The Kenyan government has 48 hours to respond to the petition.