Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has called on the government to halt plans for a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki, urging it to listen to Kenyans and ensure public health decisions are made through broad consultation with affected communities.
Speaking during the Kiharu Masomo Bora Students Career Fair 2026 on Thursday at Mugoiri Mixed Day Secondary School, Nyoro said the proposed facility lacks public support and questioned the government's decision to continue pursuing the project despite growing opposition and ongoing legal challenges.
The legislator maintained that Kenyans have overwhelmingly rejected the proposal and urged the government to prioritise the views of its citizens over external interests.
“I have been to many parts of this country, and I have not encountered one Kenyan who is supporting this facility. Kenyans are telling the government with one voice that they do not want the Ebola facility to be established here in Kenya,” said Nyoro.
The proposed quarantine and isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki has sparked debate among residents, civil society groups and political leaders since reports emerged that Kenya had agreed to host a 50-bed facility for individuals exposed to Ebola during outbreaks in neighbouring countries.
Nyoro accused the government of disregarding public concerns and warned against decisions that could place Kenyans at unnecessary risk. He argued that public health interventions should be undertaken with the involvement of citizens and affected communities.
“We see American leaders because they are accountable to the people of the US. They have said they don’t want Ebola cases in the US. But our leaders have put money ahead of Kenyans' interests. Kenyans have rejected colonialism. They have rejected the idea that the US can refuse to host Ebola cases while expecting Kenya to do so,” Nyoro said.
His remarks come a day after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale defended the proposed facility, insisting that Ebola preparedness measures do not require public participation under the Public Health Order.
“We are not going to consult citizens. Under the Public Health Order, it does not require any consultation,” Duale said on Wednesday, adding that the government has a constitutional and moral responsibility to act swiftly to prevent a potential outbreak.
The High Court has since suspended the project following petitions challenging its legality and the level of public participation undertaken before the decision was made. The court also directed the government to disclose all agreements, approvals, risk assessments and operational protocols related to the facility.
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