By James Murimi - Reporter
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Kenya, 11 June 2026 - Opposition to the proposed Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base intensified on Wednesday after local leaders accused the government of imposing the project on residents without consultation and demanded full disclosure on funding arrangements linked to the initiative.
Former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru led the criticism, questioning reports that the facility could be tied to financial support from the United States to bridge gaps in Kenya's budget.
"If the condition by the United States to finance the gaps and deficit in the country's current budget estimates is the introduction of an Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, then we do not need it," said Ms Waruguru.
She further claimed that foreign financial support had little impact on ordinary citizens, alleging that public funds often end up lost through corruption.
The leaders also questioned the government's preparedness to handle any health emergency arising from the facility, particularly at the county's main referral hospital.
Laikipia leader Sammy Mwangi demanded accountability over the reported Sh1.7 billion support package associated with the project, saying residents deserved to know how much would be invested in local health infrastructure.
"Sh1.7 billion cannot be the reason President Donald Trump wants to bring this Ebola quarantine facility to Kenya, specifically Nanyuki," said Mr Mwangi.
"If the facility must be established, as Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale maintains, we want to know how much of that money has been allocated to Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital, which would be the first line of response in case of any emergency."
He argued that any patients requiring treatment from the facility would likely be referred to the county hospital, making investment in local healthcare systems a critical concern.
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The leaders further accused the national government of pushing ahead with the project without involving residents, noting that county officials had previously indicated they were unaware of plans to establish such a facility within Laikipia.
"This is a process being actualized by force without consultation with area leaders and residents," Mr Mwangi said.
The controversy comes amid growing protests in Nanyuki over reports of the planned Ebola quarantine centre, with residents demanding transparency from both the national and county governments regarding its purpose, funding and safety implications.
The leaders also used the platform to rally opposition against the Finance Bill, 2026, vowing to mobilise residents to reject the proposed legislation.
"As leaders, we totally reject the Finance Bill, 2026 and we will sensitise our people to reject it in totality," Mr Mwangi said.
Leaders question the government's preparedness to handle any health emergency arising from the facility.