Nandi Senator Cherargei has called for a national preparedness against the Ebola threat, warning that Kenya’s position as a regional transport and trade corridor increases its exposure to the disease.
In a statement on his X account on Friday, May 29, 2026, Cherargei noted that Kenya sits along a major transport route linking the Port of Mombasa to the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country that has previously reported outbreaks of Ebola.
He argued that this strategic position makes robust screening systems and quarantine facilities essential to prevent potential spread.
“Kenya is on the corridor of transport that links Mombasa port to Congo, which means Kenya is exposed more to this disease; therefore, we must have robust screening and quarantine centres to avert the pandemic, including being a good neighbour,” Cherargei said.
Need for regional screening centre
Cherargei further proposed the establishment of a regional screening and quarantine centre in Kenya, suggesting that partnerships with the United States and other international stakeholders could strengthen the country’s capacity while also boosting medical advancement and job creation.
“If the USA and other partners want to establish a regional screening and quarantine centre, so be it; then it will allow Kenya to be an excellent regional centre on communicable diseases and allow Kenyans job opportunities and advancement of medicine in Kenya,” he added.
Cherargei also revisited past efforts by the World Health Organisation to set up a regional medical centre at Kenyatta University, alleging that political interference stalled the initiative.
He urged a more progressive approach to public health planning and international collaboration.
He emphasized that Kenya’s geopolitical position makes it not only vulnerable but also potentially well-placed to serve as a regional hub for disease surveillance and response, calling for bipartisan support for long-term investments in health infrastructure.
“World Health Organisation ( WHO) wanted to establish a regional medical centre at Kenyatta University, but our cheap politics stopped it. We need to be progressive as a country,” Cherargei said.
Court order on the facility
The remarks by Cherargei come amid a court order restraining the government and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale from permitting the entry of individuals infected with Ebola into Kenya.
In the ruling, Justice Nyaundi Patricia further barred the Attorney General, the Health CS, and any persons acting under their authority from facilitating, coordinating, or approving the transfer of Ebola-infected persons into the country, pending the determination of the case.
Judge Nyaundi’s order, issued on Thursday, May 28, 2026, also restrains the government and the Health CS from receiving and facilitating the exposed people into Kenya until the petition filed by the Katiba Institute is heard and determined.
“A conservatory order is issued restraining the respondents (AG and CS Duale), whether by themselves, their agents, officers, or any persons acting under their authority, from admitting into, transferring to, receiving within, or facilitating the entry into Kenya of persons exposed to or infected with Ebola,” Judge Nyaundi has ordered.
