Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has raised concerns over reports that the national government plans to establish an Ebola treatment and isolation centre in neighbouring Laikipia County, calling for the project to be suspended until comprehensive stakeholder consultations are conducted.
In a statement Saturday, Kahiga said residents of Nyeri were worried by media reports suggesting that an Ebola treatment facility could be operationalised in Laikipia.
“The residents of Nyeri County are greatly concerned by the circulating media reports indicating plans to establish an Ebola treatment and isolation centre in the neighbouring Laikipia County,” Kahiga said.
According to the county boss, the two counties share a long border and maintain close social and economic ties.
“It is worth noting that Nyeri County shares a long border with Laikipia, and our communities are closely interlinked through trade, transport and family ties. Any public health risk in Laikipia is therefore a direct concern to the leadership and the great people of Nyeri,” he stated.
The governor acknowledged that Ebola Virus disease remains a major global health threat and that preparedness measures are necessary to protect the country from potential outbreaks.
“We are alive to the fact that Ebola Virus Disease is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and Ebola preparedness and response should be both a county, national and international priority,” he said.
Kahiga noted that Ebola remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, characterised by high fatality rates and significant containment challenges.
“We therefore cannot ignore the risks of cross-border transmission through movement of people and goods along the Isiolo-Laikipia-Nyeri corridor,” he added.
Despite supporting efforts aimed at strengthening disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness, the governor argued that any decision to establish such a facility should be undertaken transparently and with public participation.
“As a county government, we reiterate our commitment to supporting national and international efforts aimed at strengthening global health security through heightened disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and response. However, such initiatives should be implemented through a transparent, consultative and inclusive process that enjoys public confidence,” he said.
Kahiga further insisted that residents of Nyeri and their elected leaders must be fully briefed and involved before any decision is made.
“The residents of Nyeri, through their elected leaders, must be consulted and reassured about any such facility being operationalised near our borders,” he said.
The governor called on the Ministry of Health to suspend implementation of the project pending consultations and public engagement.
He also demanded the release of technical, environmental and safety assessment reports relating to the proposed facility.
In addition, Kahiga asked the national government to provide detailed information on the project's objectives, funding arrangements, operational framework, long-term management and sustainability plans.
The United States is allegedly setting up the proposed facility to manage Ebola victims.
