NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s health minister has ordered the suspension of construction on a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility after a court challenge raised concerns about the project and its potential impact on the country’s healthcare system.
The decision came Tuesday, one day after Health Minister Aden Duale was found in contempt of court over continued construction work despite a judicial order that had temporarily halted the project.
The facility had been intended to receive Americans exposed to Ebola while overseas, according to statements previously made by U.S. officials.
Court Intervention Forces Project Pause
Kenya’s High Court had ordered construction to stop in May while it reviewed a legal challenge brought by the Law Society of Kenya and the Katiba Institute.
The two organizations argued that Kenya’s healthcare system was not adequately prepared to manage the risks associated with an Ebola quarantine center and questioned whether the project should proceed.
Despite the court order, construction work continued, leading to legal action against the health ministry.
On Monday, the court ruled that Duale had failed to comply with the earlier order and directed him to appear for a sentencing hearing.
Minister Apologizes to Court
During Tuesday’s hearing, Duale apologized to the court and said he never intended to ignore or undermine judicial authority.
“It was never my intention to disregard, undermine or act in defiance of the orders of the court,” he told the court.
The judge accepted the apology and declined to impose additional penalties.
Following the hearing, Duale formally ordered construction on the facility to be suspended.
Public Opposition and Protests
The project has sparked significant public concern in parts of Kenya, where residents have questioned the country’s ability to manage a potential Ebola-related emergency.
The controversy triggered several protests near the construction site.
According to the source material, three people died during demonstrations linked to opposition to the facility.
Details surrounding those deaths were not immediately provided.
Government Defends Ebola Facility
Despite ordering construction to stop, Duale continued to defend the project and rejected concerns that it could increase health risks for nearby communities.
“The fear that the Laikipia facility could serve as a vehicle for Ebola importation into surrounding communities is scientifically unfounded,” the minister said.
Government officials have maintained that the center was designed as a controlled quarantine facility and would strengthen preparedness efforts rather than create additional dangers.
US Support for Ebola Preparedness
The United States plans to provide $13.5 million to support Kenya’s Ebola preparedness initiatives.
The quarantine center formed part of broader cooperation between Washington and Nairobi on public health readiness.
For now, however, the future of the facility remains uncertain as the court continues reviewing the legal challenge and authorities comply with the suspension order.
Tags: Kenya, Ebola, Aden Duale, United States, Public Health, Laikipia, High Court, Health Ministry, Africa, Healthcare System, Law Society of Kenya, Katiba Institute
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