Health officials oppose alleged U.S, Kenya Ebola facility talks

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) has rejected alleged backdoor negotiations between the Kenyan government and the United States over plans to establish an Ebola quarantine and treatment facility at Laikipia Air Base.

In a statement signed by Secretary-General, Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah, the union accused the government of compromising national biosecurity and “trading the lives of citizens for foreign aid.”

KMPDU questioned why Kenya was being considered to host potentially exposed individuals linked to the ongoing Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, and Uganda, instead of countries close to the epicenter.

The union also criticised the safety logic of transporting exposed persons into Kenya, arguing that if a return flight to the United States is deemed unsafe, it should not be considered safe to bring such individuals into Kenyan territory.

It further accused the U.S. of applying double standards, citing its stated policy of not allowing Ebola cases into its own territory.

KMPDU also expressed concern that the move could worsen pressure on Kenya’s already strained health system, which it said is facing shortages of essential medicines, diagnostic tools and critical care infrastructure, alongside unemployment among medical personnel.

The union warned against what it described as the emergence of a “two-tier healthcare system” that sidelines local professionals in favour of foreign personnel.

It issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding full disclosure of the alleged negotiations and warned of nationwide industrial action if the government proceeds without transparency.