Nanyuki Residents Protest Proposed Ebola Isolation Facility at Laikipia Air Base
Hundreds of residents in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, staged protests on Monday, June 1, 2026.
The demonstrators opposed plans to construct an Ebola isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base. Consequently, tensions rose as crowds marched toward the military installation.
Protesters lit bonfires, chanted slogans, and carried placards during the demonstration. However, security officers blocked them from accessing the facility.
The Kenya Defence Forces and heavily armed Kenya Air Force personnel secured the area. As a result, protesters remained outside the military base.
Proposed Facility Sparks Public Outcry
The controversy centers on a proposed 50-bed Ebola isolation facility. The project stems from discussions between the Kenyan government and the United States.
According to reports, the facility would monitor and treat individuals exposed to Ebola. It would mainly serve American personnel and nationals from affected regions.
The Democratic Republic of Congo remains the primary focus of the health preparedness plan. Nevertheless, many residents strongly oppose the proposal.
Local Leaders Join Opposition
Several leaders backed the residents during the protests. Among them were MPs Mwangi Kiunjuri and Sarah Korere.
The leaders questioned the suitability of Nanyuki for such a facility. Furthermore, they argued that local hospitals lack adequate outbreak response capacity.
Critics also raised concerns about public safety and economic stability. They fear the project could affect tourism and commercial activities.
Additionally, residents questioned why a facility for foreign nationals would be established locally.
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Court Order Temporarily Halts the Project
The demonstrations occurred despite an existing court ruling on the matter.
Recently, the High Court in Nairobi temporarily stopped the project’s implementation. The court ordered a suspension pending a full legal review.
However, residents want more than a temporary pause. Instead, they are demanding the complete cancellation of the proposed facility.
As a result, public pressure on government officials continues to intensify.
Government Defends Health Preparedness Plan
Despite the opposition, government officials continue to defend the proposal.
The Ministry of Health says the facility would strengthen Kenya’s disease preparedness systems. Moreover, officials believe it would improve emergency response capabilities.
They argue that the project supports national and regional health security goals.
Kenya Remains Ebola-Free
Health authorities have assured Kenyans that there are no confirmed Ebola cases in the country.
Nevertheless, the proposed facility continues to spark debate across Laikipia County. The issue highlights the challenge of balancing preparedness with public concerns.
