A fresh effort to strengthen Kenya’s readiness against Ebola is taking shape in Kakamega County after local leaders announced plans to establish two quarantine centres to help respond to any possible outbreak of the deadly disease.
The county government says the move is part of a wider preparedness strategy developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health. Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula revealed the plans on Friday, June 5, noting that the decision was approved during a recent county cabinet meeting as concerns continue to grow over Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of East and Central Africa.
According to Savula, county officials have been discussing ways to ensure Kakamega is ready to respond quickly should the virus cross into Kenya. He explained that the county administration is working closely with national health authorities to support ongoing measures aimed at preventing and containing the disease.
He said the county government had agreed that preparation was necessary given the potential threat posed by Ebola to countries in the region.
As part of these preparations, public officers will be involved in efforts to enhance surveillance and support disease control measures.
The planned quarantine centres will serve as designated facilities where individuals suspected or confirmed to have Ebola can be isolated and monitored.
Health experts often consider isolation facilities important in preventing the spread of highly infectious diseases by ensuring patients receive care while limiting contact with the wider public.
Savula explained that Kakamega was chosen for the facilities because of its strategic location.
The county sits along major transport routes connecting western Kenya with neighbouring countries and key towns such as Busia, Bungoma and Eldoret. This position makes it an important transit point for people and goods moving across the region.
The announcement comes only weeks after Kenya and the United States agreed to establish a 50-bed Ebola quarantine and bio-isolation facility at the Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki.
The proposed centre was intended to provide emergency testing, triage and isolation services for American citizens, contractors and peacekeepers who may be exposed to the virus.
However, that project has faced legal challenges after the High Court temporarily suspended its implementation pending the hearing of a case filed against it.
The court’s decision has created uncertainty over the future of the facility.
Despite the opposition and court proceedings, President William Ruto has defended the establishment of the Nanyuki centre, maintaining that such facilities are necessary as part of Kenya’s broader strategy to prepare for disease outbreaks and protect public health.
Meanwhile, Kakamega County is moving ahead with its own plans as authorities seek to strengthen readiness in the event of any Ebola-related emergency.
