Kenya's High Court has temporarily halted a government plan to set up an Ebola center under a US agreement. The orders came hours after Washington announced millions in funding.
Nairobi's High Court issued temporary orders blocking the government from establishing or operating any Ebola center in Laikipia county. The orders also bar receiving Ebola victims under the disputed Kenya-US agreement.
The Katiba Institute sued the government, arguing the deal was reached without public participation or parliamentary oversight. It noted Kenya lacks Biosafety Level Four labs needed for the virus and has only three BSL-3 facilities.
The US announced plans to provide Sh1.7 billion to Kenya and Sh14.4 billion regionally to fight Ebola. Talks involved President William Ruto and Secretary Marco Rubio.
The government must respond before the case resumes on June 2. The court certified the matter as urgent.