The High Court in Kenya has temporarily barred the government from establishing or operationalising any Ebola quarantine, isolation, exposure, or treatment facility in the country under any agreement with the United States or other foreign agencies.
The court also stopped the government from admitting or facilitating the entry of persons exposed to or infected with Ebola into Kenya pending the determination of a suit filed by the Katiba Institute.
The conservatory orders were issued after the court certified the petition as urgent. The petition challenges an alleged arrangement between Kenya and foreign governments concerning the management of Ebola cases within the country.
According to the ruling, the orders will remain in force until the matter is heard and determined. The petitioner was directed to serve all respondents within 24 hours, while the respondents were given 48 hours to file their responses.
The development follows reports that the United States government pledged $13.5 million (about Ksh1.75 billion) to support Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts amid an outbreak in the region.
A statement reportedly issued by the US State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with Kenyan President William Ruto on strengthening public health response measures and securing critical medical supplies.
The proposed arrangement sparked public debate after reports emerged that Americans exposed to Ebola could potentially be monitored and treated in Kenya.
The court’s decision now temporarily halts any such plans until all parties are heard in court.
