Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has defended the planned construction of a US-linked Ebola preparedness facility in Nanyuki, saying it is part of a wider government strategy to establish 16 similar centres across Kenya.

Speaking during the State Department for Foreign Affairs annual staff wellness day on Friday, May 29, Mudavadi dismissed claims that the facilities are meant only for foreigners or international visitors.

According to Mudavadi, the centres are being developed as a precautionary measure to improve Kenya’s emergency preparedness against Ebola outbreaks and other infectious diseases.

He explained that although Kenya currently has no confirmed Ebola cases, the government must remain proactive and ready in case of future health threats affecting the country or the wider East African region.

Mudavadi said the facilities will help improve early disease detection, patient isolation, treatment capacity, and coordination between Kenyan authorities and international health partners during emergencies.

He added that Kenya plays an important role regionally and may be required to support international response efforts if outbreaks occur in neighbouring countries.

The prime Cabinet secretary also criticised misinformation surrounding the project, urging Kenyans to rely on verified information when discussing the proposed centres.He maintained that the government is not introducing disease into the country but instead investing in preparedness and public safety.The statement comes amid criticism from some leaders in Laikipia County who had opposed the planned Nanyuki facility.

However, the government insists the broader network of Ebola preparedness centres will strengthen Kenya’s health security infrastructure and improve the country’s ability to respond quickly to cross-border disease outbreaks.