20 flights, 50-bed unit: US equipment, experts arrive at Laikipia Ebola facility
Around 20 flights carrying medical equipment and specialist staff have landed at a base in Kenya where the US government is continuing to build an Ebola quarantine facility despite protests and court orders blocking it, according to flight data and officials.
At least two people have been killed in protests in the central Kenyan town of Nanyuki, home to the Kenyan air force base where the US military is building a 50-bed unit for Americans who might be exposed to the virus, which has infected hundreds in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
A US diplomatic cable, part of which was seen by Reuters, said Kenya’s President William Ruto may have underestimated domestic opposition to the plan, which has triggered criticism the US is offloading the risk of caring for its own patients.
A Kenyan court first ordered work on the Ebola facility to be suspended on May 28, yet US military flights into Nanyuki continued in the days that followed, according to data from flight-tracking service Flightradar24.
The data showed at least six military aircraft, including C-130 and C-17 transport planes, had landed in Nanyuki since May 24, with three landing after the court order.
The planes have brought in technical equipment as well as dozens of physicians, engineers, lab experts and construction workers, but no patients, according to a US official, who asked not to be identified.
The US embassy in Nairobi said on Wednesday it was aware of the court action and it was “working with the Kenyan government to resolve any objections”.
Ruto has defended approving the facility, telling reporters on Monday: “We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing.” He did not comment on the court order.
EVERYONE IN, EXCEPT THE PATIENTS
Around 20 flights had landed between May 23 and May 31, according to the US official and another source with direct knowledge of the matter.
“They have got everything and everyone in, except any patients,” according to the second source.
On Tuesday, a Kenyan court blocked the plan for a further three weeks and ordered the government to disclose its agreement with Washington.
But the second source said work was continuing and the facility could be ready by Thursday. “The US will only stop if the Kenyan government tells them to stop,” the source added.
The US official said flights were paused on Monday due to “confusion” over the court order and what it means, but the pause was lifted on Wednesday after the Kenyan authorities told US officials that they could proceed with preparations.
Further supplies, including specialised equipment, testing kits and protective gear would be flown in, they said.
UNDERESTIMATING OPPOSITION TO PLAN
In the cable, sent to Washington on June 2 according to two US officials, the embassy in Nairobi flagged that anger over the Ebola facility came on top of pressure on Ruto’s government stemming from rising fuel prices and the imminent anniversary of anti-government protests that killed dozens in 2024.
“In agreeing to host the bio-isolation facility, President Ruto may have underestimated the depth and intensity of public opposition,” the US cable said.
“The continued work on the facility – despite a court injunction halting construction – has further fuelled criticism.”
Ruto said the facility was part of a wider plan to prepare Kenya for any Ebola cases and was in line with a long-running health partnership with Washington. The US said last week it would provide $13.5 million for Kenya’s Ebola preparedness effort.
QUARANTINE PLAN
The US State Department said on Wednesday that any US citizen who was at high risk of exposure to Ebola but had not yet shown symptoms could be transported to the facility in Kenya, where they would spend 21 days in quarantine.
Anyone who developed symptoms would then be transported elsewhere for treatment, it said, without giving further details.
Kenyan government officials have repeatedly said the facility would be open to Kenyan nationals, but Trump administration officials have said it would prioritise US citizens.
The plan has also met with opposition in the US, where healthcare officials, including former staff from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have warned that such measures could discourage American frontline responders from deploying to regions affected by outbreaks and undermine global response efforts.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Lunch N Rants
Take a minute outside your schedule to have a good laugh and conversations that resonate with you. Welcome to Lunch N Rant podcast where we talk about anything and everything life.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.