The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government demanding full disclosure of negotiations with the United States over a proposed Ebola quarantine and treatment facility at Laikipia Air Base.
In a statement, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah accused the government of engaging in “backdoor negotiations” and warned of nationwide industrial action if transparency is not provided.
He criticised the proposal, questioning why Kenya has been selected to host exposed U.S. citizens while Ebola cases remain concentrated in neighbouring DRC and Uganda. He also questioned why individuals deemed too dangerous to be admitted into the United States would instead be brought into Kenya.
“We demand absolute transparency from the Ministry of Health on why Kenya has been selected,” Atellah said, warning that Kenya risks becoming a “geopolitical isolation ward.”
The union further argued that the government is neglecting a struggling health system marked by shortages of essential medicines, equipment, and staffing gaps.
KMPDU also objected to reports that the facility could be staffed by U.S. medical personnel, insisting that unemployed Kenyan healthcare workers should be prioritised.
The union warned that failure to disclose details within 48 hours will trigger industrial action nationwide.