NAIROBI, Kenya — The United States government has issued a travel advisory for its citizens in Kenya following demonstrations in Laikipia County against a proposed Ebola quarantine facility reportedly intended for American nationals.
In an advisory issued on June 1, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi warned that protests similar to those witnessed in Nanyuki could spread to other urban centres, including the capital, Nairobi, in the coming days.
The embassy urged American citizens living in or travelling within Kenya to remain vigilant, avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, and closely monitor local media for updates on security developments and transport disruptions.
“The U.S. Embassy is aware of a demonstration on June 1 in Nanyuki Town, in Laikipia County. Similar protests may occur in Nanyuki Town and other urban areas, including Nairobi, in the coming days,” the advisory stated.
The embassy noted that public demonstrations in Kenya are often accompanied by a significant police deployment and may lead to road closures, traffic disruptions, business interruptions and other security concerns.
American citizens were advised to monitor road and highway conditions before travelling, keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed while on the road, and regularly inform family members and friends of their whereabouts.
“Monitor local media for highway and road conditions before travelling, keep doors locked and windows rolled up while in a vehicle and notify friends and family of your whereabouts and safety,” the embassy said.
Advisory follows Nanyuki protests
The travel warning comes a day after hundreds of residents staged protests in Nanyuki and surrounding areas to oppose the planned establishment of an Ebola quarantine and monitoring facility at Laikipia Air Base.
Demonstrators marched through the town carrying placards and chanting slogans against the project, expressing concerns over potential health risks and the lack of public consultation surrounding the proposal.
Residents called on President William Ruto’s administration to halt the plan and relocate the facility elsewhere.
The protests mark the latest escalation in a growing controversy that has attracted national attention and triggered legal challenges.
Court halted facility pending hearing
The proposed quarantine facility is already the subject of court proceedings after the High Court in Nairobi temporarily suspended its establishment.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi recently issued conservatory orders barring the creation of any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility by the United States government or any foreign agency in Kenya pending the hearing and determination of a petition filed before the court.
The orders also prohibit the admission, transfer, reception or facilitation of entry into Kenya of individuals exposed to or infected with Ebola under the reported arrangement.
The case was filed by the Katiba Institute, which argues that the project raises significant constitutional, public health and national security concerns that require judicial scrutiny before implementation.
US says it is engaging Kenyan authorities
The latest advisory comes days after Washington acknowledged the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the proposed facility.
In an earlier statement, the U.S. government said it was aware of the court action and was engaging Kenyan authorities to address concerns raised over the project.
“We are aware of the court action filed in Kenya against the Ebola isolation facility. We are in touch with Kenyan authorities and are optimistic we can resolve objections,” the U.S. government said.
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The proposed facility was reportedly intended to support monitoring, isolation and care arrangements for American citizens linked to Ebola response operations in the region.
Reports indicated that the site was expected to operate as a temporary field hospital staffed by personnel from the U.S. Public Health Service.
Growing public debate
The proposal has sparked intense public debate in Kenya, with critics questioning why such a facility should be established in the country instead of closer to the source of the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Political leaders, civil society groups and residents in Laikipia have raised concerns about transparency, public participation and potential health implications, although health experts have repeatedly stressed that properly managed quarantine facilities do not necessarily pose a risk to surrounding communities.
The controversy has unfolded against the backdrop of a regional Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo strain, which has affected parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
As legal proceedings continue and public opposition grows, the future of the proposed facility remains uncertain.
For now, the High Court orders remain in force, while both Kenyan and U.S. authorities continue consultations over the disputed project.
