Health

Kakamega to Set Up Two Ebola Quarantine Centres as Kenya Boosts Disease Preparedness

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2 minutes ago kntimes

Kakamega County has announced plans to establish two Ebola quarantine centres as part of efforts to strengthen preparedness against possible disease outbreaks.

Deputy Governor Ayub Savula said the county government is working closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure the facilities are ready in case of an emergency. He noted that the centres will be used to isolate and monitor anyone suspected of having Ebola.

According to Savula, the county was selected because of its strategic location. Kakamega serves as a major transport route connecting western Kenya to areas such as Busia, Bungoma and Eldoret, making it an important point for disease surveillance and control.

He explained that the quarantine centres are intended to help prevent the spread of infections by providing a designated place for isolation and monitoring.

The announcement comes just weeks after Kenya and the United States agreed to establish a 50-bed Ebola quarantine and bio-isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki.

However, the Laikipia project is currently facing legal challenges after the High Court temporarily suspended its implementation pending the hearing of a case filed against the facility.

The proposed centre was expected to offer emergency screening, testing and isolation services for individuals who may be exposed to Ebola, including American citizens, contractors and peacekeepers.

Despite criticism from some members of the public and the ongoing court proceedings, President William Ruto has defended the project, saying it is part of Kenya’s wider plan to strengthen preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks.