Kenyan authorities are reportedly operating an American-supported Ebola quarantine center despite a recent court order halting its establishment, according to local activists and media reports.

The facility is intended to quarantine American nationals evacuated from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where an Ebola outbreak that began two months ago has resulted in at least 930 deaths among 2,344 confirmed cases. A U.S.-based humanitarian organization, Samaritan’s Purse, stated over the weekend that seven of its American staff members recently returned from Congo were being held in “large military tents” in Kenya for a 21-day quarantine period. None of the individuals had exhibited symptoms of Ebola, the group said.

While the exact location was not disclosed by Samaritan’s Purse, Kenyan local reports indicate that the Laikipia Air Base, situated approximately 185 kilometers north of Nairobi near the town of Nanyuki, is housing the quarantine center. The base’s proximity and the use of military tents align with activist information and community concerns.

Residents of Nanyuki have protested against the quarantine facility, with tensions escalating into violence that has claimed two lives in recent weeks. The demonstrations reflect widespread unease about the presence of the quarantine site in the region.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health, U.S. State Department, and authorities at Laikipia Air Base have not issued responses to inquiries regarding the quarantine operations. Kenya currently has no confirmed Ebola cases, and the country lies several hundred miles east of Congo, separated by Uganda.

Kenya is a strategic partner of the United States in Africa, with the U.S. committing $13.5 million toward the country’s Ebola preparedness initiatives. President William Ruto has publicly supported the establishment of the quarantine center, framing it as part of a cooperative effort with the U.S. government. He also announced plans to develop 24 additional Ebola preparedness facilities across Kenya, citing American financial backing.

However, these efforts have faced legal challenges. Last month, a Kenyan court issued an injunction preventing the quarantine center from becoming operational. Following the court ruling, Health Minister Aden Duale directed that construction of the facility be suspended.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions between public health preparedness, legal constraints, and community opposition as Kenya seeks to bolster its defenses against potential Ebola spread beyond Congo's borders.