The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union has given the government a 48-hour ultimatum over plans for a US-funded Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base. Katiba Institute has filed a court petition seeking to block the arrangement.
The union criticised the lack of transparency in negotiations between the Kenyan government and the United States. It warned of nationwide industrial action if the Ministry of Health signs any agreement without addressing healthcare staffing shortages and local biosecurity concerns.
Katiba Institute filed its petition on May 28 under a certificate of urgency. The lobby named Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale as respondents and asked the court to halt any facility establishment or admission of exposed persons.
The petition also seeks disclosure of all agreements with the Trump administration and a contingency plan from the Health Ministry within 24 hours. Kenya has recorded no Ebola cases, and the government has maintained surveillance at borders.
