By Brian Said Iha | May 30, 2026
The administration of United States President Donald Trump has responded after the High Court in Nairobi temporarily suspended plans to establish a proposed Ebola quarantine and isolation facility in Nanyuki, Laikipia County.
In its first reaction following the court ruling, the US government acknowledged the ongoing legal proceedings in Kenya and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved through consultations and engagement with the Kenyan government and other relevant stakeholders.
A spokesperson familiar with the project said the United States respects Kenya’s legal and judicial processes and will continue to work closely with Kenyan authorities as discussions surrounding the proposed facility continue.
The remarks come after the High Court issued temporary orders halting the implementation of the project pending the hearing and determination of a petition challenging its establishment. The petitioners have raised concerns over public participation, environmental safeguards and the potential health implications of hosting an Ebola-related facility in the region.
The proposed quarantine and isolation centre had been intended to support emergency preparedness and response efforts in the event of Ebola exposures involving American citizens and other international personnel in East Africa. According to officials, the facility was envisioned as a precautionary measure aimed at strengthening regional disease surveillance, containment and rapid response capabilities.
Despite the court setback, US officials indicated that they remain committed to cooperating with Kenya on public health initiatives and epidemic preparedness programmes. They emphasized the long-standing partnership between the two countries in combating infectious diseases and strengthening healthcare systems.
The Kenyan government has not yet issued a detailed response to the latest US statement, but officials have previously maintained that any public health project undertaken in the country must comply fully with Kenyan laws, regulations and constitutional requirements.
The case is expected to return to court in the coming days as judges consider arguments from both petitioners and government agencies involved in the proposed project.
For now, the court orders remain in force, effectively pausing all activities related to the planned Ebola quarantine and isolation facility in Nanyuki until further directions are issued by the court.
