A Kenyan court on Tuesday blocked the construction and planned operation of a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility for an additional 3 weeks, escalating a legal and political dispute that has sparked deadly protests and public anger.
The proposed 50-bed unit, intended for U.S. citizens exposed to Ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda, is planned for a Kenyan air force base in the central town of Nanyuki. It has faced strong opposition from local residents who accuse the U.S. of shifting health risks onto Kenya.
Kenyan High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi ordered that no work or operational preparations proceed until the case is resolved. She also instructed the government to disclose all agreements and operational protocols related to the facility within seven days, with the next hearing set for 23 June.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Nanyuki on Monday. Organisers said two people were killed when police opened fire during the demonstrations, though authorities have not confirmed the deaths.
The ruling follows an earlier temporary suspension issued last week after a lawsuit was filed by a legal advocacy group challenging the agreement between Nairobi and Washington.
The case has raised broader concerns in Kenya over transparency and sovereignty, with critics demanding clarity on the terms of the arrangement.
U.S. health official Mehmet Oz said the Trump administration remained confident in working with Kenya to finalise the arrangement.
“I think we're going to work out ... a very favourable arrangement with Kenya,” he said, adding that the goal was to ensure “the highest clinical care for Americans” and prevent any spread of Ebola.
A U.S. official said the facility would exclusively treat American citizens and would be staffed by U.S. medical personnel.
Kenyan President William Ruto defended the agreement, describing it as part of a wider preparedness plan and long-standing health cooperation with the United States.
The U.S. has pledged $13.5 million for Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts. However, officials have confirmed that patients who develop symptoms would be transferred elsewhere for treatment.
The dispute comes amid a worsening Ebola outbreak in the region. The World Health Organization reported 321 confirmed cases and 116 suspected cases in Democratic Republic of Congo, with 48 deaths, while Uganda has confirmed 15 cases.
The facility remains suspended pending further court proceedings, with the next hearing scheduled for later this month.
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