Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale is expected to appear before Parliament to explain the government’s plans for a proposed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base and outline measures being taken to protect the country from a possible outbreak.
The CS is scheduled to appear before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health after lawmakers raised concerns over reports that Kenya could host a facility for individuals exposed to Ebola, particularly from regions currently battling the disease.
Members of Parliament are seeking clarification on the arrangement, including Kenya’s preparedness to handle infectious disease threats and the safeguards that have been put in place.
This became apparent after reports emerged that the US was planning to send public health workers to assist in operations in what could be used as a quarantine facility in Laikipia in case of Ebola in the country.
MPs have since been seeking answers as to whether Kenya has the capabilities to handle any potential public health risks as a result of the deal.
Appearing before the health committee in parliament last week, Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka expressed his concern about the country’s preparedness to contain Ebola in the event it enters the country from the neighboring nations.
The president has stood by his decision stating that the move is part of the long-term relationship between Kenya and the US concerning public health matters.
According to him, for many years now, the US has been assisting the country in dealing with health problems including the HIV/AIDS and the COVID-19.
“When President Donald Trump requested my assistance in having a center in Laikipia Air Base, I agreed because it is just a partnership and an agreement with friends who have always stood with us for more than four decades in health matters,” Ruto said.
The president indicated that the facility is part of the country’s general preparedness plan to enable it to react promptly to any possible public health emergency.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Health has heightened its surveillance and preparedness plans amid the continued fears regarding Ebola in the region.
Despite the fact that no Ebola case has been reported in the country, the ministry indicates that it is still on the alert because of the breakout in other neighboring countries.
A number of specialized sub-committees have been formed by the ministry and these committees meet on a daily basis in a bid to monitor developments.
According to government sources, 25 counties have been marked either as high risk areas for Ebola outbreak or very high risks.
The counties regarded as having very high risk of having Ebola cases include Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Kisumu, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Siaya, Turkana, West Pokot, Homa Bay and Migori.
Other counties which have been categorized as high risk areas include Vihiga, Kakamega, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kilifi, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Isiolo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Garissa.
According to health experts, there have been increased levels of screening at the points of entry. In the past 24 hours, there were 13,548 travellers who underwent screening and this increased the cumulative total of travelers screened to almost 67,000.
The forthcoming parliament meeting will give more insight into the planned facility as well as the strategy adopted by the government to ensure that Ebola does not enter the country.