Seven American aid workers are under a three-week Ebola observation at the Nanyuki Air Base in Laikipia after assisting in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s outbreak response. The workers have shown no symptoms and entered the facility voluntarily.
Meanwhile, the DRC continues to battle one of its worst Ebola outbreaks, with over 2,000 confirmed cases and nearly 800 deaths. At the same time, neighbouring Uganda is close to declaring the outbreak over after discharging its last patient.
Here in Kenya, the Ministry of Health has stepped up screening and surveillance at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to prevent the virus from entering the country. Health officials say Kenya has no confirmed Ebola cases and are urging the public to remain vigilant.
However, the US-backed quarantine facility has sparked controversy. As a result, the High Court has temporarily halted its operation following a petition by the Katiba Institute and the Law Society of Kenya, pending a legal review.
Turning to aviation, the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has issued a strike notice, warning of disruptions to flights and airport operations if unresolved labour disputes are not addressed.
According to the union, employers have repeatedly violated Collective Bargaining Agreements and failed to resolve workers’ grievances despite several negotiations. Consequently, if no agreement is reached, the strike could affect passenger handling, cargo services and other airport operations nationwide.
In the judiciary, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has announced a nationwide boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, citing concerns over corruption, delays in justice and lack of judicial accountability.
The society says months of engagement with the Judiciary have failed to resolve the issues. Furthermore, LSK will begin an indefinite boycott of courts presided over by judges facing complaints that are currently blocked from investigation through court orders.
In the meantime, advocates have been advised to seek adjournments or transfers of affected cases as they push for reforms aimed at restoring confidence in the justice system.