The Kenyan High Court has extended an order blocking the construction and operation of a proposed US-linked Ebola quarantine facility by three weeks.
Four days ago, the court suspended US plans to open an Ebola quarantine facility for American citizens in the country that has sparked public concern about cross-border infection risks.
In its ruling on Tuesday, the court also ordered the government to disclose details of the facility, a day after hundreds of people took to the streets in the central town of Nanyuki to protest about the planned site.
The 50-bed isolation centre is to be staffed by US medics and was due to begin operations on Friday, according to an American official. The Kenyan government has not directly commented on the plan.
In its court petition, rights group the Katiba Institute warned that the arrangement posed “grave and imminent risks” to public health.
The proposal has sparked widespread public concern, with critics accusing the United States of attempting to shift health risks to Kenya.
Judge Patricia Nyaundi ruled that no construction or operational activity should proceed at the site until the case is fully determined.
She also ordered the government to publish all agreements, health protocols and operational arrangements related to the facility within seven days, with the matter set for hearing on June 23.
The ruling follows earlier interim orders issued after a legal challenge by civil society organisations, including concerns over transparency and public health preparedness.
Despite the court restrictions, reports from diplomatic sources indicate that US military aircraft have continued to transport personnel and equipment to the site in recent days.
Public opposition to the project has been mounting. Hundreds of residents in Nanyuki staged protests earlier this week, with organisers alleging that two people were shot dead during clashes with police.
The authorities, however, said they were not aware of any confirmed fatalities.
MG/as/APA