Duale: No public participation needed for Ebola response measures

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said the government does not require public participation under the Public Health Order before rolling out Ebola preparedness measures, insisting that swift action is necessary to prevent a potential outbreak.

Duale told MPs on Wednesday that emergency health interventions must be implemented without delay, arguing that consultation processes could slow down response efforts at a time when Kenya is facing heightened risk from Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We are not going to consult citizens. Under the Public Health Order, it does not require any consultation,” he said, adding that the government has a constitutional and moral responsibility to act swiftly to protect lives.

He maintained that delaying action could expose the country to serious health risks.

“This epidemic does not require any consultation. Tomorrow, God forbid, if Ebola is found in this country, this House will call me back here to this chair to ask me why Kenyans are dying,” he said.

Duale also defended the establishment of Ebola treatment and isolation centres, including the proposed Laikipia Air Base quarantine and isolation facility, which has drawn public and political scrutiny.

He insisted the facility is part of a wider national preparedness plan and will be among 23 treatment and isolation centres being established across the country.

Duale said the Laikipia facility will be jointly operated with international partners and is strategically located to strengthen response capacity. He added that the government would not halt its establishment.

“The Laikipia Air Base quarantine and isolation facility is one of the 23 centres we are building, and we will not stop it,” he said.

He explained that the choice of Laikipia Air Base was strategic, citing its infrastructure, including one of the longest runways in the country, as well as its access to military medical support and rapid response capabilities.

“If every county refuses to set up a quarantine facility, where will we treat Kenyans? Are we going to treat them up in the air?” he posed, urging legislators not to politicise the matter.

Duale further said Kenya is strengthening Ebola preparedness through expanded surveillance, screening at points of entry, laboratory testing, and designation of high-risk counties.

The Ministry of Health says no Ebola cases have been confirmed in the country, though multiple alerts have been tested and ruled out.