Kenya has received praise from the United States for its support in efforts to contain the spread of the Ebola virus, even as debate continues over the planned construction of an Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia County.
The recognition followed a meeting between President William Ruto and U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos in Oslo, Norway, on Tuesday, June 9. The discussions focused on cooperation between the two countries in addressing public health challenges, particularly the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting parts of the region.
Following the meeting, Boulos expressed appreciation for Kenya’s role in supporting Ebola response efforts and highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two nations.
“We discussed U.S.-Kenyan cooperation to respond to Ebola, and I thanked President Ruto for his steadfast partnership,” Boulos stated.
He further emphasized the responsibility both countries share in preventing the spread of the disease and protecting their citizens.
“Both of our nations have vital roles to play in fighting this outbreak and protecting our populations,” he added.
According to Boulos, the Trump administration has provided more than Ksh 25.8 billion (USD 200 million) in direct support towards Ebola response activities. The funding is part of wider humanitarian assistance efforts across the region.
The U.S. official noted that the support comes in addition to Ksh 45.2 billion (USD 350 million) allocated for Ebola response and other humanitarian programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda. These contributions form part of a larger Ksh 232 billion (USD 1.8 billion) package directed through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The meeting took place at a time when concerns continue to grow in Kenya over a planned Ebola quarantine facility reportedly backed by the U.S. government. The project has attracted strong opposition from some residents in Laikipia, particularly in Nanyuki, where demonstrations have been taking place.
On Tuesday, tensions escalated during protests against the facility. Reports indicated that one person lost their life while more than 50 people were arrested during the demonstrations.
Questions have also emerged after reports suggested that construction activities had begun despite a court order barring the project. The situation has fueled public debate over the relationship between government actions and court decisions.
Beyond the Ebola response, President Ruto and Boulos also discussed regional security issues, particularly the conflict in Sudan. Both sides stressed the need for a humanitarian truce as a step toward lasting peace.
“We also covered the critical importance of achieving a humanitarian truce in Sudan, followed by a permanent ceasefire. We emphasized that external actors must cease fueling the conflict through military support to the warring parties,” Boulos said after the meeting.
