President Ruto defends US Ebola facility in Kenya amid public opposition
via Tuko2 min read
President William Ruto has explained the government's decision to allow the US government to establish an Ebola center at the Laikipia Air Base, despite public protests and criticism from opposition leaders, civil society, and medical professionals. Speaking in South Africa on June 4, President Ruto stated it would be "very unfortunate" for Kenya to deny the US the opportunity to establish the facility at their own cost, highlighting over three decades of health cooperation funded by American taxpayers. He emphasized that allowing the US to build the center is the right decision. President Ruto clarified that the Laikipia facility would be one of 24 centers for screening, isolation, and treatment of positive cases to prevent disease spread, noting that Kenya already has 23 such facilities, including at Kenyatta Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
The Motorists Association of Kenya has attributed a recent increase in accident rates, including a fatal incident on Enterprise Road, to President William Ruto's executive order. This order overruled the National Transport and Safety Authority's ban on graffiti in public transport, which the association claims has led to a resurgence of dangerous driving practices. The association argues that the NTSA's original directive, upheld by the courts, was crucial for road safety. They are now urging the government to reconsider its decision and reinforce road safety measures, suggesting that if the private matatu subsector cannot regulate itself, the government should take over public transport, similar to the Nyayo Bus Service era. The association highlights issues such as reckless zigzagging, loud music, and explicit content, contrasting the current chaotic state with the more orderly period when a single sober color scheme was mandated.
Must ReadPumwani Maternity Hospital recorded only two maternal deaths out of 11,515 deliveries in 2025, a substantial improvement from eight deaths in 2024. This achievement has positioned the hospital as a national model for safe childbirth and earned it recognition at State House. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja attributed this success to strategic reforms, including changes in management structure, increased investment in staffing, infrastructure, and emergency maternal care services. Key interventions include the recruitment of additional nurses, doctors, and midwives, the expansion of emergency surgical services, and continuous staff training. The hospital introduced two fully operational maternity theaters running around the clock and established an in-house learning hub for healthcare workers. Furthermore, adherence to updated clinical protocols, improved referral coordination, and enhanced community outreach through Community Health Promoters have contributed to better outcomes. According to Health and Nutrition CEC Suzanne Silantoi, the establishment of a blood donation site within the hospital has also been crucial for timely access to blood products. Pumwani's success is seen as a blueprint for other public health facilities in Kenya to emulate in reducing maternal mortality nationwide.
Must ReadA government official, identified anonymously as Shamira, lost her 18-year-old daughter, Favour, in the Utumishi Girls Academy fire that claimed 16 lives and injured 79 on May 28. Shamira recounted that her daughter, a Form Four student, had expressed concerns about brewing tensions and unequal treatment at the school weeks before the tragedy. Favour, who dreamed of becoming a doctor, told her mother that the principal favored Grade 10 students over older girls. Concerned by these sentiments, Shamira wrote a letter to a board of management member, urging the school to address student grievances and warning against ignoring certain groups, which could breed resentment. She now regrets not following up on her concerns. Shamira advises schools to take all student warnings seriously, use suggestion boxes for grievances, and avoid locking out neighbors during emergencies, suggesting that some lives might have been saved at Utumishi Girls if these measures were in place. The family is currently awaiting DNA results to confirm Favour's remains.
Must ReadDetectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission EACC raided the home of Nairobi County Chief Officer for Urban Planning, Patrick Analo, on Thursday, June 4. During the early morning operation, EACC detectives recovered a substantial amount of cash, reportedly KSh 250 million, and several documents. The raid is linked to an ongoing graft investigation. A video showed bundles of cash stashed in two traveling bags.