By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
U.S, June 03, 2026 - The United States has defended its controversial plan to establish an Ebola monitoring and treatment facility in Kenya, arguing that the country's location near Central Africa's disease outbreak zones makes it a critical partner in responding to future health emergencies.
Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, U.S. Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz said proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Ebola outbreaks have repeatedly occurred, was a major consideration in choosing Kenya.
According to Oz, the goal is to ensure patients receive specialised care quickly rather than being transported long distances during a health crisis.
"The main issue with having a facility close to DRC is if a patient is sick, I want to take the patient to the OR that is right next door to the room they are sick in, not the building next to them or three buildings two blocks away because time is precious," he said.
His remarks come amid growing debate in Kenya over the proposed facility, with critics questioning the risks of hosting Ebola-related operations. Demonstrations in Laikipia County, where the project is expected to be based, have highlighted public concerns about safety and disease transmission.
Oz insisted that speed is a crucial factor when dealing with highly infectious diseases such as Ebola, where delays in diagnosis, isolation and treatment can have serious consequences.
He expressed confidence that ongoing discussions between Washington and Nairobi would lead to an agreement allowing the project to proceed.
"So we are confident, and the State Department is working on this diligently, that they are going to be able to work out something with Kenya," he said.
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The U.S. official revealed that extensive engagement has already taken place between officials from both countries and described Kenya as a reliable partner with strong international links and established security infrastructure.
"There is a U.K. base there. We have other people who might be willing to welcome us, and we have our German colleagues as well," Oz said.
While noting that the United States has other potential locations available, he maintained that moving potentially infected patients across continents would not be practical.
"So there are many places we can send folks, but sending them across the world, especially if we are not sure what is going on with them, is probably not the wisest move," he added.
The proposed facility has become a sensitive issue in Kenya at a time when East African countries remain on high alert following the Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain in the DRC and neighbouring Uganda.
Kenyan authorities have repeatedly maintained that no Ebola cases have been reported in the country and have assured the public that preparedness measures remain in place.