The High Court has temporarily barred the government from establishing or operating any Ebola quarantine, isolation, or treatment facility in Kenya under agreements with the United States or any other foreign partner.
The court also prohibited authorities from admitting, transferring, or facilitating the entry into the country of individuals exposed to or infected with Ebolas under the disputed arrangement, pending the determination of the case.
The conservatory orders were issued after the court certified as urgent a petition filed by the Katiba Institute challenging the reported agreement.
The petition questions an alleged deal involving Kenya and foreign governments, including the United States, concerning the handling of Ebola cases and related public health measures.
The court directed that the interim orders remain in force until the application is heard and determined on its merits.
It further ordered the petitioner to serve all respondents with the Notice of Motion and petition within 24 hours, while respondents were instructed to file their replies within 48 hours of service.
The matter will be mentioned again for further directions once the procedural timelines are met.
The ruling effectively halts any immediate plans to establish Ebola-related facilities or receive Ebola-exposed persons in Kenya under the proposed framework until the court hears both sides.
The order comes in the wake of a reported United States commitment of $13.5 million (about Sh1.75 billion) to support Kenya’s Ebola preparedness, amid ongoing coordination between Nairobi and Washington following an outbreak in the region.
According to a statement attributed to the US State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with President William Ruto on regional Ebola response efforts and preparedness.
“The United States Government intends to commit $13.5 million toward Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts and has already committed to providing $112 million in bilateral assistance to the regional response,” the statement said.
The talks also focused on strengthening Kenya’s medical readiness, securing essential supplies, and improving the country’s capacity to respond to any potential Ebola cases.
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