Ruto Defends U.S.-Backed Ebola Facility in Kenya, Calls It ‘the Right Thing

Kenyan President William Ruto has defended his government’s decision to allow the United States to establish an Ebola quarantine facility in the country, describing the move as “the right thing” despite growing public opposition and ongoing legal challenges.

Speaking during a state visit to South Africa on Thursday, Ruto said Kenya was acting responsibly by supporting international efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak currently affecting parts of Central and East Africa. He argued that refusing a request from the United States to set up the facility would have been inappropriate, especially as Washington is funding the project.

The planned facility, located at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, central Kenya, is expected to serve as a 50-bed quarantine and monitoring center for Americans who may have been exposed to Ebola while working in outbreak-affected regions. The project comes as health authorities continue to battle an Ebola outbreak centered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with cases also reported in Uganda.

The facility has sparked controversy across Kenya, with residents, civil society groups and opposition figures questioning why the country should host a quarantine center primarily intended for U.S. citizens. Demonstrations in Nanyuki earlier this week turned violent, with reports indicating that two people were killed during clashes linked to the protests.

Legal challenges have also emerged. Kenyan courts have issued orders temporarily halting aspects of the project and demanding greater transparency regarding agreements between Nairobi and Washington. However, reports indicate that construction activities and the delivery of equipment have continued despite the court proceedings.

Ruto maintained that the facility is part of Kenya’s broader disease-preparedness strategy and long-standing health cooperation with the United States. He noted that similar isolation and treatment facilities already exist across the country and insisted the center could also benefit Kenyans if the need arises.

The United States has pledged approximately $13.5 million to support Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts. U.S. officials say the facility is intended to help manage potential exposures among American personnel operating in regions affected by the outbreak while strengthening regional disease-response capabilities.

Health experts remain divided over the initiative, with some praising increased preparedness while others question the decision to locate a quarantine center in Kenya rather than transporting exposed individuals to specialized facilities in the United States or Europe.