U.S. Commits Ksh6.5 Billion to Fight Deadly Ebola Outbreak as Kenya Maintains High Alert
The United States has pledged an additional Ksh6.5 billion ($50 million) towards efforts to contain the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, as concerns grow over the spread of the disease and legal battles continue over a controversial quarantine facility in Kenya.
In a statement issued on Friday, the U.S. Department of State announced that, in collaboration with Congress, it intends to provide the funding to support the development of medical countermeasures targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is responsible for the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The outbreak has already claimed at least 139 lives and infected hundreds more, prompting an intensified international response aimed at preventing further cross-border transmission.
“Today, the Department is announcing that, working with Congress, it intends to provide $50 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to develop medical countermeasures for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola that is responsible for the current outbreak in the DRC,” the Department of State said.
According to U.S. officials, the funding will support laboratory research, clinical trials, and the manufacturing of vaccines and treatments designed to combat the virus.
“Safe and effective medical countermeasures for Ebola will be a critical tool as the United States continues to mount a rapid, coordinated and comprehensive response to protect Americans and support affected communities,” the statement added.
The latest Ebola outbreak has placed health authorities across the region on high alert. While the epicentre remains in the DRC, the disease has already spread into neighbouring Uganda, where two deaths linked to the virus have been reported.
Health data released by U.S. authorities indicates that infections have risen to 689 cases. As part of ongoing surveillance efforts, more than 6,300 individuals have been screened across 24 health facilities in Ituri Province in eastern DRC. The screening exercise identified 41 suspected Ebola cases, all of whom were isolated for further assessment as of June 8.
Despite the escalating regional threat, Kenya has so far remained free of any confirmed Ebola infections.
The Ministry of Health says more than 55,000 travellers have been screened at airports, border crossings, and maritime entry points as part of enhanced surveillance measures aimed at preventing the virus from entering the country.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale reiterated on Friday that Kenya remains vigilant and fully prepared to respond should any suspected or confirmed case be detected.
Duale also confirmed that the government had halted further construction of the U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Airbase following a court intervention. However, he maintained that authorities would move swiftly to expand preparedness infrastructure if circumstances demand.
The facility was intended to provide isolation and treatment services for U.S. citizens who may contract, or be suspected of contracting, Ebola while in the region.
Its development has attracted significant public debate and legal scrutiny, culminating in a decision by the High Court in Nairobi to issue conservatory orders temporarily suspending both the construction and operationalisation of the proposed 50-bed bio-isolation unit.
In its ruling, the court further barred the entry into Kenya of any Ebola-exposed individuals under the arrangement pending the determination of the case.
The legal dispute comes as governments across East Africa continue to strengthen surveillance systems amid fears that increased regional travel could accelerate the spread of the highly infectious disease if containment measures fail.
Health experts have repeatedly emphasised that early detection, rapid isolation, and effective vaccination and treatment tools remain critical in preventing a wider public health emergency.
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