President William Ruto has defended the establishment of a new medical quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, describing it as a routine and necessary measure to protect the country from high-risk diseases such as Ebola.
Speaking after a media roundtable at Wajir State Lodge, the President later addressed the issue on X, urging political leaders and the public not to politicise public health interventions and stressing that government efforts are aimed solely at safeguarding citizens and strengthening preparedness for potential outbreaks.
“The health and safety of Kenyans remain our top priority. As part of our preparedness measures against the Ebola threat, the Government is taking all necessary steps to prevent, detect, and manage any potential cases, while strengthening our public health response capabilities with the support of our international partners, including the Government of the United States,” Ruto wrote.
The health and safety of Kenyans remain our top priority. As part of our preparedness measures against the Ebola threat, the Government is taking all necessary steps to prevent, detect, and manage any potential cases, while strengthening our public health response capabilities… pic.twitter.com/Gnqr9RZIxi
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) June 2, 2026
He clarified that the facility at Laikipia Air Base is not an isolated or extraordinary project, but part of a wider national preparedness system comprising 23 similar centres across the country.
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He added that the initiative is aligned with existing isolation and treatment infrastructure, including Kenyatta National Hospital, the National Police Service Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, and Alupe Hospital.
The President said the measures are designed to enhance emergency response capacity and protect public health, noting that similar partnerships proved critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the establishment of specialised facilities at Nairobi Hospital.
He also underscored long-standing cooperation between Kenya and the United States in managing major health challenges, including HIV and AIDS, COVID-19 and Ebola.
“I want to assure this nation that we know what we are doing,” he said.
Beyond health preparedness, Ruto also used the engagement to highlight ongoing development initiatives in Northern Kenya, saying discussions focused on expanding infrastructure, supporting businesses, and unlocking the region’s economic potential.
The clarification comes after protests in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, where residents opposed plans to establish an isolation centre at a nearby military base intended to house American citizens potentially exposed to Ebola.
The demonstrations, held on Monday, June 1, followed a High Court order temporarily blocking the project. Residents expressed concern over the proposal amid an Ebola outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, which has claimed more than 200 lives. Kenya has not reported any confirmed cases.