Kenyan court halts U.S. Ebola quarantine facility plan

A Kenyan court has temporarily halted plans for a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya, pausing a proposal that had drawn a legal challenge over public-health and constitutional concerns.

The court order, issued on May 29, follows a petition filed by Katiba Institute and other legal actors seeking to block the facility and force disclosure of the terms of the arrangement. The group said it also wanted a contingency plan from the health ministry.

Associated Press reported earlier this week that the U.S. had planned to use a facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to Ebola abroad, though it was not clear whether Kenya had formally signed off on the plan.

Kenya’s Ministry of Health said on May 25 that it had stepped up Ebola preparedness, including traveler screening, laboratory testing, border health services and emergency response coordination.

The court’s order is temporary and comes before further hearings. It is not yet clear whether the judges will extend, modify or lift the suspension.

The case adds a public dispute to Kenya’s broader Ebola preparedness efforts as officials continue border screening and surveillance measures.

What happens next

The immediate next step is further court consideration of the petition. Key unresolved questions include whether any formal agreement was approved, where the facility would be located and whether any exposed people were expected to be transferred before the order.