US Hails Kenya’s Partnership in Combating Ebola, Pledges Continued Support
OSLO, Norway — The United States has commended Kenya for its continued cooperation in efforts to combat the spread of Ebola across East and Central Africa, reaffirming its commitment to supporting regional disease surveillance and emergency response initiatives amid growing debate over a proposed Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya.
The recognition came during a high-level meeting between President William Ruto and U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos on Tuesday, June 9, on the sidelines of international engagements in Oslo, Norway.
Following the meeting, Boulos praised Kenya’s contribution to regional public health efforts and described the partnership between Nairobi and Washington as critical in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
“We discussed U.S.-Kenyan cooperation to respond to Ebola, and I thanked President Ruto for his steadfast partnership,” Boulos said in a statement.
“Both of our nations have vital roles to play in fighting this outbreak and protecting our populations,” he added.
Kenya has intensified monitoring at major entry points, particularly along its western border, while health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of rapid detection and containment measures.
According to Boulos, the United States has remained one of the largest contributors to Ebola response efforts globally, providing substantial financial and logistical support aimed at preventing the spread of the disease.
The funding forms part of a broader humanitarian assistance package directed toward countries affected by disease outbreaks, conflict, and humanitarian emergencies.
According to U.S. figures, an additional KSh45.2 billion (USD 350 million) has been allocated to support Ebola response operations and humanitarian programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda.
Health experts have consistently warned that Ebola outbreaks require coordinated international action due to the virus’s ability to spread rapidly across borders through travel and trade networks.
The meeting between the Kenyan and U.S. delegations came against the backdrop of heightened public debate over a proposed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki.
The project, which has attracted both support and opposition, was intended to strengthen regional preparedness by providing quarantine and isolation capacity for individuals exposed to the virus.
Public opposition intensified in recent weeks, culminating in demonstrations in Nanyuki where residents demanded greater transparency regarding the project.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, both Kenyan and U.S. officials have continued to emphasize the importance of preparedness measures in responding to potential Ebola threats.
Beyond health matters, the meeting also addressed regional security concerns, particularly the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
“We also covered the critical importance of achieving a humanitarian truce in Sudan, followed by a permanent ceasefire,” Boulos said.
“We emphasized that external actors must cease fueling the conflict through military support to the warring parties,” he added.
As concerns over Ebola preparedness continue to dominate public discourse, officials from both countries insist that cooperation, transparency, and coordinated planning remain essential in protecting communities and preventing future outbreaks across the region.
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US Hails Kenya’s Partnership in Combating Ebola, Pledges Continued Support
