The United States has committed an additional Ksh6.5 billion to strengthen efforts against the latest Ebola outbreak even as debate continues over the suspended quarantine facility in Laikipia.
The U.S. Department of State announced plans to provide $50 million through the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to support the development of medical interventions against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
The funding will support laboratory research, clinical trials, and manufacturing efforts aimed at producing effective treatments and preventive measures for the virus.
U.S. officials said the investment forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen outbreak response capabilities and protect communities affected by the disease.
The current outbreak continues to affect the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has also reached Uganda.
Authorities report hundreds of infections, while health teams continue screening and surveillance activities in affected regions. U.S.-supported operations have screened thousands of people and identified suspected cases for further monitoring.
Kenya Remains Ebola-Free
Kenya has not recorded any confirmed Ebola cases. The government has screened more than 55,000 travellers at airports, border points, and ports as part of ongoing preparedness measures.
Aden Duale said the country remains on high alert and continues to strengthen its response capacity against potential threats.
Duale also confirmed that authorities have stopped further construction of the proposed Ebola isolation facility at the Laikipia Airbase following legal challenges.
The facility had been intended to isolate and treat U.S. citizens exposed to the virus. However, the High Court temporarily halted both construction and operational plans.
The court further barred the entry of Ebola-exposed individuals into Kenya under the proposed arrangement pending the determination of the case.
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