Do you support or oppose an Ebola centre in Laikipia?

A clear majority of Kenyans oppose the establishment of an Ebola centre in Laikipia, despite widespread awareness surrounding the project. According to a GeoPoll survey,  public sentiment leans heavily against the facility.

A commanding 61 per cent of respondents firmly state that they strongly oppose the initiative, while an additional 10 per cent note that they are somewhat opposed to it, bringing total opposition to nearly three-quarters of the surveyed population.

In contrast, supportive voices remain in the minority. Only 17 per cent of citizens express that they strongly support the introduction of the centre, alongside 9 per cent who are somewhat supportive.

The remaining 4 per cent of those surveyed indicate that they are not sure where they stand on the matter.

This strong resistance is unfolding across a highly informed populace. The survey demonstrates that the proposal has thoroughly penetrated the public sphere, with 67 per cent of Kenyans reporting that they have heard a lot about the Laikipia proposal.

Another 25 per cent state that they have heard a little about the plans, meaning that comprehensive awareness reaches over 90 percent of citizens.

The intersection of this massive public engagement and deep structural disapproval presents a significant communicative and political hurdle for the architects of the health facility.