The United States has pledged Ksh.1.75 billion to help Kenya strengthen its preparedness against Ebola, deepening co-operation between Nairobi and Washington at a time of growing public unease over reports that Americans exposed to the virus could be treated in Kenya.
The funding commitment, equivalent to $13.5 million, emerged after talks between President William Ruto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as East Africa remains on alert over a regional Ebola outbreak.
According to a statement issued by U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Washington and Nairobi discussed emergency medical supplies, surveillance systems and Kenya’s ability to respond should the virus cross its borders.
“The United States Government intends to commit $13.5 million toward Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts,” the statement said, adding that Washington had already provided more than $112 million in regional support tied to the outbreak response.
The discussions come amid mounting scrutiny in Kenya following reports that the administration of President Donald Trump was considering plans to send American citizens exposed to Ebola to Kenya for monitoring or treatment.
Those reports have triggered sharp political and legal reactions, with civil society groups, medical unions and opposition voices questioning whether the country is being drawn into arrangements that have not been fully disclosed to the public.
Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that discussions with the United States and other international partners were taking place, but insisted that any co-operation would remain subject to Kenyan law and strict public safety measures.
“Protection of Kenyan citizens, front line health workers and communities remains paramount,” CS Duale said.
The Ministry of Health says the country has already activated emergency response systems, stepped up screening at airports and border crossings, and expanded laboratory testing capacity.
Officials say more than 55,000 travellers have been screened at entry points, while ten suspected Ebola cases tested in Kenya have all returned negative.
Still, the government’s assurances have done little to quiet growing public concern.
Earlier this week, the Katiba Institute filed an urgent petition at the High Court in Nairobi seeking to block any attempt to establish Ebola quarantine or treatment facilities linked to foreign governments before the matter is fully heard in court.
The rights group argues that any such arrangement requires transparency, public participation and parliamentary oversight.
The legal challenge gained momentum on Thursday when the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the government disclose details of what it described as “backdoor negotiations” with the United States.
KMPDU Secretary-General Dr Davji Atellah warned that doctors could mobilise industrial action if the plans proceed without consultation and improvements to Kenya’s healthcare system.
“We are utterly disgusted by the government’s apparent willingness to trade national biosecurity and the lives of its citizens for foreign aid,” Dr Atellah said.
Government officials have rejected claims that Kenya is unprepared.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga said the country’s infectious disease response systems had improved significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic, arguing that Kenya had both the expertise and infrastructure to handle outbreaks safely.
The latest developments highlight the delicate balance Kenya now faces: maintaining its long-standing role in regional and global health security while addressing fears at home over transparency, sovereignty and public safety.
For Washington, the stakes are equally high.
“The United States’ highest priority remains protecting the health and security of the American people,” the State Department said, “by working to prevent the Ebola outbreak from reaching our shores.”
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