Duale defends Ebola quarantine centre, says facility will serve Kenyans, not just foreigners

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale is defennding the government's decision to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air base and insists the project is a critical component of Kenya's preparedness strategy and not a secret arrangement to host foreign patients. He says the facility will remain under Kenya's jurisdiction even as the united states provivides logistical and humman resource support.

There is an Ebola quarantine facility being set up in Laikipia. Many Kenyans are worried that it is meant for Americans only and that it will be run by the US military. Is that true?

Let me set the record straight. The facility is under Kenyan jurisdiction. We will not compromise the sovereignty of our country. The Laikipia facility is one of 23 quarantine, isolation and treatment centres being established across the country. It will be managed by Kenyan authorities, specifically under the Kenya Defence Forces medical team, working alongside American counterparts. It is not a US-run facility.

So Kenyans will have access to the facility?

Absolutely. If a Kenyan in Laikipia or anywhere else contracts Ebola, God forbid, they will be treated there. It is not reserved for Americans. The facility is meant to protect both Kenyans and our partners who may be working in the region.

Why partner with the United States on Ebola preparedness?

Kenya has worked with the United States in the health sector for more than 23 years. We partner with many countries in security, agriculture and health. This is not something new. We are collaborating to strengthen our preparedness against infectious diseases.

Some people are claiming somebody was paid for this deal. What is your response?

Those are baseless allegations. Kenya’s cooperation agreements with the United States are public and have gone through legal processes. The agreements were approved by Cabinet, debated in Parliament, subjected to public participation and adopted lawfully.

Critics say Ebola facilities should be established where outbreaks occur, not in countries that do not have cases.

Preparedness is part of global health security. Ebola does not respect borders. The World Health Organization has advised countries not to close borders but instead strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms. Kenya must be ready in case cases emerge within our borders.

Why not build the facilities in eastern Congo where outbreaks occur?

The answer depends on stability and security. Some outbreak areas face significant security challenges. Kenya has a strong healthcare system, trained personnel and laboratories capable of handling infectious diseases. That is why we are part of the regional response.

Some Kenyans fear bringing Ebola patients into Kenya could expose the country to risk.

We are setting up 23 quarantine and treatment facilities specifically to prevent that. If we can safely manage other highly infectious diseases, we can also manage Ebola. These facilities are designed to contain infections, not spread them.

There are concerns about secrecy surrounding agreements between Kenya and the United States.

There is no secrecy. The original health cooperation agreement dates back to the Obama administration and was signed during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure. It went through Parliament and public participation. There is also a newer government-to-government agreement that focuses on strengthening healthcare financing and systems.

What does the new agreement involve?

It supports HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria programmes, laboratory services and digitisation of healthcare systems. The objective is to transition from donor-driven programmes to sustainable government financing over the next five years.

Let’s talk about the Social Health Authority. Many Kenyans still complain about SHA.

Every reform experiences challenges, but SHA is working. Today, more than 31.1 million Kenyans are registered. Since its introduction, SHA has paid billions of shillings to healthcare facilities and covered treatment costs for millions of Kenyans.

Can you give specific figures?

Since its rollout, SHA has paid Sh12.7 billion in claims. Over 1.2 million women have delivered under the SHA system within the last 18 months. A total of Sh17.5 billion has been paid out, including Sh9.2 billion to public hospitals.

You have described SHA as a major reform. Why?

It is the biggest progressive healthcare reform since independence. It is helping us move toward universal health coverage and ensuring healthcare services are accessible to all Kenyans.

The government recently launched the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) initiative. What is it about?

The programme aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths between 2026 and 2028. No mother should die while giving life. No newborn should die from preventable causes. Maternal mortality is a national tragedy and must be treated as such.

How serious is the maternal mortality challenge?

Although about 90 per cent of women now deliver in healthcare facilities under skilled professionals, Kenya still loses approximately 5,000 mothers annually. That is unacceptable.

What measures is the government taking?

We are investing in blood services, essential maternal health commodities, digital monitoring systems and emergency response mechanisms. We are also ensuring healthcare facilities have the equipment needed to save mothers and newborns.

What role does digital technology play?

Through our digital health system, we can track mothers throughout pregnancy. We know where they attend clinics, where they deliver and, if complications occur, we can investigate and respond appropriately. This helps improve accountability and service delivery.

What is the Linda Jamii programme?

Linda Jamii supports mothers throughout the pregnancy journey, from conception to delivery. It ensures mothers receive antenatal care, monitoring and support so they can safely deliver healthy babies.

Are there plans to recruit more healthcare workers?

Yes. We intend to recruit 5,000 additional nurses and midwives. They are essential to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes across the country.

Which counties are performing well in reducing maternal deaths?

Makueni, Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Murang’a have shown impressive progress. We are also seeing positive results in major referral facilities such as Kenyatta National Hospital and Pumwani Maternity Hospital.

How many facilities have been strengthened under the maternal health programme?

We have equipped 639 facilities across 20 high-burden counties. These facilities now have better capacity to manage deliveries and emergencies.

What do you attribute the progress to?

Political commitment. President William Ruto has made maternal and newborn health a priority. When there is commitment from the Head of State, resources and attention follow.

What message do you have for Kenyans concerned about Ebola preparedness?

Kenya is prepared. We have healthcare workers, laboratories and response systems capable of managing infectious diseases. The quarantine facilities are precautionary measures. We are not bringing danger to Kenyans; we are protecting them. Kenya remains a leader in health security within the region and across Africa.