Kakamega to Establish Two Ebola Quarantine Centres as Kenya Steps Up Preparedness

Kakamega to Establish Two Ebola Quarantine Centres as Kenya Steps Up Preparedness

The Kakamega County Government has announced plans to establish two Ebola quarantine centres as Kenya intensifies efforts to strengthen its preparedness against a potential outbreak of the deadly virus in the region.

The move comes amid heightened concern across East Africa following confirmed Ebola cases in neighboring countries, prompting health authorities to enhance surveillance, screening, and emergency response mechanisms to prevent cross-border transmission.

Speaking on Friday, June 5, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula said the county administration had resolved to set up the facilities following consultations with the Ministry of Health and discussions held during a recent county cabinet meeting.

According to Savula, the decision forms part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring that the county is adequately prepared to respond swiftly should any Ebola cases be detected within its borders.

“We have already had a session and discussed how we are prepared to tackle the Ebola disease that is threatening the East African region. We have agreed in our meeting that we must be prepared and send public officers to curb the disease in Kenya and the East African region,” Savula said.

The Deputy Governor emphasized that preparedness remains the most effective defense against infectious disease outbreaks and noted that the county government was working closely with national health authorities to implement preventive measures.

Health experts have repeatedly warned that western Kenya remains vulnerable to imported cases due to its proximity to major border crossings and transport corridors linking Kenya with neighboring countries.

Savula said the county cabinet had unanimously approved the establishment of the quarantine facilities to ensure there is adequate capacity to isolate and manage suspected cases if necessary.

“In Kakamega County, we are setting up two stations, and the cabinet has decided that we are going to have those centres where those who have the disease will be quarantined,” he stated.

The county leadership believes Kakamega’s geographical position makes it a critical location for disease surveillance and emergency response planning.

Located along major transport routes connecting Busia, Bungoma, Eldoret, and other parts of western Kenya, Kakamega serves as a key transit hub for both passenger and cargo movement.

According to county officials, this strategic position increases the need for preparedness measures due to the large number of people passing through the region daily.

“We agreed to set up two Ebola quarantine centres in Kakamega County because it is a transit area along Busia, Bungoma and Eldoret,” Savula explained.

The announcement comes as the national government continues to strengthen disease surveillance efforts at border points, particularly at the Busia-Malaba border crossing, one of the busiest entry points into Kenya.

Health authorities have recently intensified screening of travelers entering the country following reports of Ebola infections in parts of the region.

The county’s decision also comes against the backdrop of a controversial plan by Kenya and the United States to establish a 50-bed Ebola quarantine and bio-isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki.

The proposed facility was intended to provide emergency screening, testing, treatment support, and isolation services for individuals exposed to Ebola, including American citizens, contractors, and peacekeepers operating within the region.

However, the project has sparked public debate and legal challenges, particularly among residents of Nanyuki who expressed concerns over its location and potential impact on local communities.

The controversy recently escalated when the High Court temporarily suspended the implementation of the Laikipia facility pending the hearing and determination of a petition challenging the project.

Despite the court proceedings and public opposition, President William Ruto has defended the initiative, describing it as an important component of Kenya’s broader public health preparedness framework.

Health officials maintain that quarantine facilities are a critical part of outbreak management, allowing authorities to isolate suspected cases, monitor exposed individuals, and prevent further transmission.

As regional health agencies continue monitoring Ebola developments, Kakamega’s new quarantine centres are expected to play a significant role in Kenya’s preparedness strategy, reinforcing the country’s ability to detect, contain, and respond to any potential outbreak before it spreads into the wider population.

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Kakamega to Establish Two Ebola Quarantine Centres as Kenya Steps Up Preparedness