Duale dismisses reports of 7 Americans quarantined at Laikipia Ebola facility

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has dismissed reports that seven American humanitarian workers are being quarantined at the controversial U.S.-funded Ebola facility at Laikipia Air Base, insisting the government halted construction of the centre following a court order.

Duale also maintained that the government will not disclose the locations of Ebola quarantine and isolation centres, saying doing so could discourage Kenyans from seeking treatment.

The remarks come days after the United States confirmed that seven American humanitarian workers, all members of Samaritan's Purse's Disaster Assistance Response Team, were being quarantined at the controversial Ebola isolation facility inside Laikipia Air Base.

Speaking while receiving a five-tonne consignment of emergency Ebola medical supplies donated by the Government of India at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Duale dismissed the reports, insisting that the government suspended construction of the U.S.-funded Laikipia quarantine facility in compliance with a court order.

"When I appeared before the court, I said I respect the rule of law. We stopped the construction at Laikipia Air Base. I don't respond to what Reuters wrote. I state facts, and that's the government's position," Duale said.

The Health CS said Kenya remains Ebola-free, with more than 270,000 travellers screened so far.

He added that the government has operationalised 21 quarantine centres across the country after construction of the Laikipia facility was halted by the court.

"We now have 21 quarantine centres after Laikipia, the 22nd, was halted, where we can handle Ebola cases. So far, we haven't recorded any case in the country," he said.

Duale also defended the government's decision not to reveal the locations of quarantine and isolation centres, arguing that public disclosure could discourage Kenyans from seeking healthcare services.

"We won't disclose where our quarantine centres are. Under the Public Health Act, if I say this hospital is a quarantine facility, Kenyans will avoid that hospital. We are now working with the remaining 21 quarantine centres after Laikipia was halted," he said.

The latest donation from India, valued at Ksh.60 million, includes Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), sample transportation kits, infrared thermometers and other critical medical supplies.

The donation adds to support already received from international partners, including the World Health Organization, as Kenya strengthens its preparedness against a possible Ebola outbreak.

"The donation will help improve the country's preparedness score from 60 to 80. The resources will be put to good use and distributed to all the necessary areas across the country," said Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth.

Duale welcomed the support, describing it as a reflection of the strong partnership between Kenya and India.

"We have received this donation from India, and it reflects the strong friendship between our two countries and the power of international solidarity in strengthening global health security," he noted.