Medical Supplies and Specialists Arrive at Kenya Ebola Quarantine Site despite Court Order, Protests

Around 20 U.S. flights carrying medical equipment and specialist staff have arrived in Kenya to support construction of an Ebola quarantine facility, despite court orders and protests opposing the project.

Around 20 flights carrying medical equipment and specialist personnel have arrived at a military base in Kenya where the United States is continuing construction of an Ebola quarantine facility, despite court orders and public protests opposing the project.

The facility, a 50-bed unit being built at a Kenyan air force base in Nanyuki, is intended to accommodate Americans who may be exposed to Ebola. The move has sparked protests in the town, where at least two people have been killed during demonstrations.

Part of a U.S. diplomatic cable seen by Reuters indicated that Kenyan President William Ruto may have underestimated public opposition to the project, with critics arguing that the U.S. is shifting the burden of caring for its own patients to Kenya.

Although a Kenyan court ordered construction to stop on May 28, U.S. military flights continued arriving in Nanyuki. Flight-tracking data showed that at least six military aircraft landed at the base after May 24, including three after the court ruling. According to a U.S. official, the flights transported technical equipment, physicians, engineers, laboratory specialists and construction workers, but no patients.

The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi said it was aware of the court proceedings and was working with the Kenyan government to address concerns. President Ruto defended the project, saying his government understood its responsibilities and knew what it was doing.

Sources familiar with the matter said around 20 flights landed between May 23 and May 31, bringing in personnel and supplies needed to complete the facility. A Kenyan court later extended the suspension for another three weeks and ordered the government to disclose its agreement with Washington. However, construction reportedly continued, with the facility expected to be ready within days.

A U.S. official said flights were briefly paused because of uncertainty surrounding the court ruling but resumed after Kenyan authorities indicated that preparations could continue. Additional shipments of testing kits, protective equipment and specialised medical supplies are expected.

The diplomatic cable also noted that public anger over the Ebola facility comes at a time when Ruto’s government is already facing pressure over rising fuel prices and the approaching anniversary of anti-government protests that left dozens dead in 2024.