Duale Confirms KDF Will Operate Laikipia Ebola Facility as Government Moves to Ease U.S. Military Fears
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has confirmed that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will be responsible for running the controversial Ebola quarantine and treatment facility planned for Laikipia County, amid growing public concerns over alleged foreign involvement.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Saturday, May 30, Duale dismissed claims that the facility would be operated by American military personnel, insisting that it will remain under Kenyan management despite ongoing collaboration with the United States government.
The clarification comes as debate intensifies over the planned facility, which has sparked political and public scrutiny following reports that it could be used to receive individuals exposed to the Ebola virus from abroad.
According to Duale, the Laikipia centre is one of 11 specialised facilities being established across the country as part of Kenya’s broader preparedness strategy against potential Ebola outbreaks.
Defending the decision to place the facility under military management, the Health CS said KDF possesses the expertise and medical capacity required to oversee such a high-risk health installation.
“It will be manned by the KDF. The Kenya Defence Forces have one of the most robust medical wings led by a Major General,” Duale stated.
His remarks were aimed at countering speculation that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump could deploy American military personnel to take charge of the facility once operational.
Duale further stressed that the centre would not be reserved for American citizens, saying it would serve anyone requiring quarantine, isolation, testing, or treatment in the event of exposure to the deadly virus.
“It is for everybody, not necessarily U.S. citizens who have contracted the virus,” he added.
The government has already established isolation and treatment units at major referral hospitals, including Kenyatta National Hospital, the Kenya National Police Hospital, and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
In addition, authorities have designated specialised isolation and treatment centres in more than 10 high-risk border counties as part of efforts to strengthen emergency response capabilities should an Ebola outbreak occur.
However, the project continues to attract controversy. The government’s plans to construct the Laikipia facility with financial support from the United States are proceeding despite legal challenges and a court order that reportedly halted the establishment of similar facilities pending further review.
The U.S. government has pledged approximately KSh1.7 billion towards the project. According to reports, the facility would provide quarantine, testing, and treatment services for individuals exposed to the Ebola virus, including foreign nationals who may require specialised medical care.
The latest clarification from Duale is likely to fuel further debate over Kenya’s role in regional and international disease response efforts, even as health officials maintain that the facility is critical to strengthening the country’s preparedness against future public health emergencies.
Also Read: U.S. Engages Kenya After High Court Suspends Proposed Ebola Facility in Laikipia