Kenya's Health Minister Susan Nakhumicha has ordered an immediate halt to the construction of a US-funded Ebola research facility in the country, citing a lack of consultation and transparency from American authorities. The facility, located in the western county of Kisumu, was intended to bolster East Africa's capacity to respond to Ebola outbreaks.
Minister Cites Lack of Consultation
In a statement released on Wednesday, Nakhumicha said the government was not adequately informed about the project's scope or potential risks. “We were not consulted on the design, location, or safety measures of this facility,” she said. “This is unacceptable. We have ordered a stop to all construction until a thorough review is conducted.” The minister added that the facility's proximity to Lake Victoria raised environmental concerns.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had been funding the project as part of a broader initiative to strengthen global health security. The facility was expected to include a biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) laboratory, one of the highest containment levels for handling dangerous pathogens.
Local Community Concerns
Residents in Kisumu had protested the facility for months, fearing potential accidents or deliberate release of the virus. “We don't want Ebola in our backyard,” said local community leader James Omondi. “The government should listen to us.” The halt order appears to respond to these concerns, though the minister emphasized it was a national decision.
According to the Kenyan Ministry of Health, the facility was 30% complete at the time of the order. The US Embassy in Nairobi has not yet commented on the development but previously stated the facility would adhere to international safety standards.
Impact on US-Kenya Relations
The construction halt could strain health cooperation between the two countries. The US has invested heavily in disease surveillance in Africa, particularly after the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola epidemic. Kenya, a key regional hub, has hosted several US-funded health programs. However, Nakhumicha insisted the move was not anti-American but about sovereignty. “We welcome partnerships, but they must be transparent and inclusive,” she said.
The suspension comes amid broader scrutiny of foreign-funded projects in Kenya, with lawmakers calling for more local oversight. A parliamentary committee is expected to investigate the facility's approval process. The US CDC has not indicated whether it will seek alternative locations in the region.
