The Nairobi High Court ordered the Kenyan government to disclose details of an agreement with the U.S. to establish an Ebola quarantine facility.
The ruling follows intense opposition from medical professionals and citizens who fear the deal allows the U.S. to off-load health risks onto Kenya. The secrecy surrounding the agreement has sparked fears that the facility may prioritize foreign interests over local public health safety.
On May 29, 2026 [4], the court issued a temporary suspension of the project. This halt is scheduled to last for three weeks [3]. The facility was planned for construction in Nanyuki, a town in central Kenya.
Public unrest has already escalated in the region. Hundreds of protesters gathered in Nanyuki to voice their opposition [2]. These demonstrations turned violent, resulting in the deaths of two people [1].
President William Ruto defended the agreement, though the court determined that the government must ensure transparency regarding the terms of the deal. The court's decision requires the government to release the specific details of the arrangement to the public.
Medical professionals have joined the protests, citing concerns over the lack of oversight. They said that the facility's purpose and the legal protections afforded to the U.S. government remain unclear. The court acted to ensure that the public is informed before any further progress is made on the site in Nanyuki.
“The Nairobi High Court ordered the Kenyan government to disclose details of an agreement with the U.S.”
This judicial intervention highlights a growing tension between Kenyan diplomatic ties with the U.S. and domestic demands for health sovereignty. By forcing the disclosure of the agreement, the court is testing the balance between executive privilege in international treaties and the constitutional right to public information, especially when public safety and fatalities are involved.
