Kenya blocks US Ebola plan as court halts American patient facility

Kenya blocks US Ebola plan after court ruling

A Kenyan court on Tuesday issued an injunction that stops the U.S. military from operating a quarantine facility on a Nairobi air base, originally built to isolate Americans potentially exposed to the Ebola outbreak raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Legal experts say the decision reflects concerns over sovereignty and public‑health jurisdiction. Humanitarian groups warn the move could complicate regional efforts to contain the virus, especially as the continent remains on high alert following the recent pandemic experience. The U.S. had argued the site would provide rapid care while Reuters reported the DRC recorded ↓ 15 new cases last week.

“We must respect Kenyan law,” a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health said.

The injunction may force Washington to renegotiate access or rely on existing hospitals in Uganda and Rwanda, raising logistical and diplomatic challenges.