Health
Kenya protesters oppose Ebola quarantine centre
Key Points
Hundreds of young people gathered outside Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki on Monday to protest against plans to establish an Ebola quarantine centre in Kenya for people exposed to the virus abroad. Demonstrators marched to the base gates, chanting slogans and voicing concerns about the country's ability to manage potential outbreaks. The protests came days after Kenya's High Court suspended the project and blocked the arrival of any foreign patients while a legal challenge is considered.
Hundreds of young people gathered outside Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki on Monday to protest against plans to establish an Ebola quarantine centre in Kenya for people exposed to the virus abroad.
Demonstrators marched to the base gates, chanting slogans and voicing concerns about the country's ability to manage potential outbreaks.
The protests came days after Kenya's High Court suspended the project and blocked the arrival of any foreign patients while a legal challenge is considered. The case was brought by the Law Society of Kenya and a constitutional watchdog, which argue that Kenya's health system remains too fragile for such a facility.
US officials have said the centre would house Americans exposed to Ebola overseas. Kenyan Health Minister Aden Duale insisted the facility would serve everyone, not only US citizens. Washington has also pledged $13.5 million to strengthen Kenya's Ebola preparedness.