By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 3 June 2026 - The government will neither seek public approval nor abandon plans to establish an Ebola quarantine and isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale told Parliament on Wednesday, setting the stage for a fierce showdown with leaders opposed to the project.
Appearing before the National Assembly during a session chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Duale said the State has a legal, constitutional and moral obligation to protect lives from infectious diseases and does not require public participation to establish emergency quarantine facilities.
"Under the Public Health Act, we don't need to do public participation. We are not going to consult citizens. This epidemic does not require any consultation," Duale said.
He defended the government's decision to proceed with the facility despite growing public concerns and criticism from some political leaders.
"Tomorrow, God forbid, if Ebola is found here in the country, this House will call me back here to ask why Kenyans are dying. Before Kenyans die, before Kenyans are infected, we as a government have the moral and constitutional responsibility to protect both Kenyans and other people who live within our borders or transit through our country," he said.
Duale was categorical that the project would go ahead.
"On Laikipia Air Base, it is one of the 23 quarantine isolation centres we are building, and we will not stop it," he declared.
The CS said the facility is strategically located within the expansive military installation, far from other operational areas, and is supported by the presence of Kenya Defence Forces medical teams and rapid response units.
He argued that Ebola preparedness cannot be subjected to political considerations, warning that the highly contagious disease poses a serious threat to national security and public health.
Backing the government's position, Deputy Speaker and Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Shollei told the House that Ebola presents extraordinary circumstances that may require exceptional measures, including the declaration of a State of Emergency.
"This is a highly infectious disease. In fact, it can even warrant calling of a State of Emergency," Shollei said.
"The moment people's lives are in danger and livelihoods are at risk, you are not even supposed to question. That is not something that is within our prerogative to say that I do not want this facility or hospital."
Her remarks came as lawmakers pressed the government over concerns that the Laikipia facility could be used to accommodate foreign patients, particularly Americans, following comments by United States officials regarding Ebola containment efforts.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo said many Kenyans were worried by statements suggesting the facility could be part of a broader strategy to protect American citizens from exposure to the deadly virus.
"What is the Health Cabinet Secretary doing to deal with this issue squarely with America?" she asked.
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"What are you doing to tell America that it is a friendly nation but we cannot allow a situation that compromises our own nationals so as to maintain that friendship?"
Minority Leader Junet Mohamed sought assurances that Kenya would retain full authority over admissions and operations at the facility.
"What Kenyans are grappling with is how does the government intend to safeguard Kenya's sovereignty and decision-making authority," he said.
"Explain whether it is the foreign government that will decide who gets admitted to that facility."
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro said the government should heed public concerns and reconsider the project.
"I am requesting the CS here to understand that Kenyans have spoken under one voice that we do not want that quarantine facility of Ebola here in Kenya," Nyoro said.
"Kenyans have refused and the government must listen to them."
But Duale dismissed fears that Kenya was surrendering control of its health policies to foreign powers, insisting that all decisions remain firmly under the authority of the Kenyan government.
"I want to emphasise that international cooperation does not mean surrender of our national authority and sovereignty. All public health decisions within Kenya remain under the authority of the Government of Kenya," he said.
Duale said international partners only provide funding, technical support, training and medical supplies within frameworks approved by Kenyan authorities, adding that the United States had committed KSh 1.7 billion towards Kenya's Ebola preparedness programme.
He further clarified that the Laikipia facility would serve both Kenyans and foreigners if necessary, noting that thousands of Kenyans living and working in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda remain vulnerable to Ebola outbreaks.
As controversy over the project intensifies, the government's message remains unequivocal: the Laikipia quarantine facility will proceed, with officials insisting that protecting lives takes precedence over politics.