Duale Defends Government Policy Amid Growing Ebola Facility Backlash
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has sought to reassure Kenyans over the country’s preparedness to deal with Ebola, insisting that the government has put in place robust surveillance, screening, and emergency response measures to prevent the deadly disease from entering the country.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive programme, Duale addressed growing public concerns surrounding Ebola preparedness and the controversial proposal to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base. The Health CS maintained that Kenya currently has no confirmed Ebola cases and emphasized that the Ministry of Health remains on high alert due to the ongoing outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa.
Duale explained that authorities have intensified screening at airports, border points, and other entry locations while strengthening laboratory testing capacity and disease surveillance systems across the country. According to the CS, the government’s priority is to ensure early detection and rapid response should any suspected case be reported.
The Health CS also defended the government’s approach to international health cooperation, arguing that disease outbreaks do not respect national borders and that regional preparedness is critical in protecting public health. He stressed that any decisions involving Ebola preparedness would be guided by scientific evidence, public safety considerations, and Kenya’s legal framework.
During the interview, Duale sought to calm fears among Kenyans who have expressed concern about reports involving a proposed Ebola-related facility in Laikipia. He insisted that public health authorities would never support any arrangement that compromises the safety and wellbeing of citizens and reiterated that strict international protocols govern the handling of infectious diseases.
Beyond Ebola, the Cabinet Secretary addressed broader health sector issues, including the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA), ongoing healthcare reforms, and efforts to improve access to medical services across the country. He said the government remains committed to achieving universal health coverage and strengthening healthcare infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions.
The interview comes at a time when Ebola has become one of the most discussed public health issues in Kenya, with debates extending beyond health concerns into political, legal, and governance questions. As public scrutiny continues, the Ministry of Health faces increasing pressure to provide transparency and maintain public confidence in its preparedness plans.
Duale’s appearance on JKLive was therefore viewed as an important opportunity for the government to explain its position, reassure the public, and address concerns surrounding Kenya’s readiness to respond to any potential Ebola threat. While questions remain over some aspects of the ongoing debate, the Health CS insisted that protecting the health and safety of Kenyans remains the government’s overriding priority.
