The High Court of Kenya has issued conservatory orders temporarily blocking the establishment and operation of any Ebola quarantine, isolation, or treatment facility in the country linked to arrangements with the United States or other foreign entities.
The orders were issued on Wednesday, May 28, 2026, by Hon. Lady Justice Patricia Mande, in the case filed by the Katiba Institute against the State Law Office at Milimani High Court.
“A conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the Respondents from establishing, operationalising, facilitating, approving or permitting the establishment and/or operation of any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in Kenya pursuant to any arrangement with the United States of America or any foreign government or agency pending the inter-parties hearing of this application,” Justice Patricia Mande ruled.
According to the ruling, the court cited an “imminent threat to life” should the orders not be granted, stating that public interest favored the interim relief pending a full inter-parties hearing.
The court further ordered the restraint on admitting into Kenya, transferring, receiving, or facilitating the entry of persons exposed to or infected with Ebola pursuant to the impugned arrangements.
Katiba Institute, a constitutional governance watchdog, had argued that such facilities could pose risks to public safety and sovereignty if not properly scrutinized.
The ruling comes just hours after President Ruto’s administration approved the establishment of the quarantine facility in Laikipia County, with America committing Ksh1.7 billion to support the country’s Ebola preparedness efforts.
The quarantine centre was expected to become operational within a week. It was set to begin with a 50-bed field hospital, with capacity for future expansion to up to 250 beds if required.
