Duale: Laikipia Facility Will Go Ahead

By James Murimi - Reporter

Kenya, May 30, 2026 - Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has formally confirmed that the government will establish a health security and outbreak preparedness facility in Laikipia County, setting the stage for a political showdown with local leaders who have opposed the project.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Duale defended the planned facility as a critical investment in Kenya's ability to detect, isolate and respond to dangerous infectious diseases, saying the country cannot afford to wait until an outbreak reaches its borders.

"The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a reminder that infectious diseases do not respect national borders," Duale said.

"As a regional hub for trade, travel and commerce, Kenya must remain prepared to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats before they reach our communities."

The declaration amounts to the clearest confirmation yet that the national government intends to proceed with the controversial project despite growing resistance from politicians and residents in Laikipia.

Duale said protecting Kenyans requires more than border screening and emergency measures after a crisis has already erupted.

"Protecting Kenyans requires more than hoping diseases do not cross our borders or relying solely on screening at points of entry," he said.

"It requires a comprehensive approach that combines effective surveillance and border screening with strong preparedness and response systems before a crisis emerges, not after it has already taken hold."

The Health CS disclosed that the government has already established several isolation and treatment facilities across the country, including specialised units at Kenyatta National Hospital, the Kenya National Police Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

However, it is the proposed facility in Laikipia that has triggered intense public debate.

"In partnership with the United States Government, Kenya is also establishing a similar facility at a military installation in Laikipia to strengthen monitoring, isolation and emergency response capacity," Duale said.

More from Kenya

Opinion: How Ruto Is Recasting Northern Kenya’s Place in the National Story

KAA Inspects Garissa, Wajir Airport Projects Ahead of Madaraka Day

The Cabinet Secretary added that the partnership would support disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, emergency preparedness exercises, critical medical supplies and rapid response capabilities.

The statement effectively ends days of speculation over the government's intentions and is likely to fuel fresh criticism from leaders who have accused Nairobi of attempting to turn Laikipia into a centre for Ebola containment.

But Duale insisted the project is part of a broader national health security strategy rather than a response to an active outbreak within Kenya.

According to the ministry, additional preparedness sites have been identified in more than ten high-risk border counties to ensure a rapid and coordinated response should a case of a dangerous infectious disease be detected.

The Health CS further argued that investments made in outbreak preparedness often leave long-term benefits for the country's healthcare system.

"These investments will strengthen Kenya's health security by improving laboratory capacity, healthcare infrastructure, disease surveillance, emergency response systems, supply chains and workforce readiness beyond the current Ebola threat," he said.

Duale pointed to lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that a regional health facility established by the United Nations Office at Nairobi played a key role in supporting emergency response efforts and continues to serve local health needs.

"By strengthening critical health systems today, these investments will leave Kenya better prepared for future outbreaks and other public health challenges," he said.

The statement is expected to intensify pressure on the government to explain the exact nature of the proposed Laikipia installation and address fears among residents who have questioned why the county was selected for the project.

For now, however, the government's position is unmistakable: the Laikipia facility forms part of Kenya's national disease preparedness plan and will proceed as authorities seek to bolster the country's defences against emerging health threats.