Uncovered documents and multiple sources confirm that Kenya has abruptly stopped construction of a US-funded Ebola quarantine facility near the Somali border, hours after American contractors broke ground. The decision, made behind closed doors last Friday, appears linked to security concerns and accusations of land-grabbing by local politicians. Now the British aid programme, UK Aid Direct, is stepping in with an alternative plan that insiders say is far more modest in scale.
The US project, budgeted at $8.4 million, was to be built in Garissa County. But Kenyan authorities reportedly revoked approvals after evidence surfaced of inflated contracts and undeclared interests by local officials. A source within the health ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "The Americans were paying premium prices for local supplies. Someone was taking a cut."
Local politician Abdirahman Ali is alleged to have profited from the land sale for the quarantine centre. His office denies wrongdoing. The halt leaves hundreds of workers idle and raises questions about US-Kenya health cooperation.
British officials were quick to offer an alternative. The UK Aid Direct programme, already active in the region, has proposed a network of smaller isolation units rather than one large centre. A spokesman for the British High Commission in Nairobi confirmed: "We have offered technical assistance and funding for a more community-based approach." The programme is expected to channel £2 million into mobile health clinics and training for local health workers.
Critics argue this is too little, too late. Garissa has seen sporadic Ebola scares, and a large facility was supposed to be a deterrent. Now political delays could leave the border region vulnerable. A senior figure at the Kenyan Red Cross, who asked not to be named, told me: "The British plan is sensible but it won't stop an outbreak. We need a proper hospital, not tents."
Behind the scenes, tensions are mounting between the US and UK aid agencies. American officials feel undermined. UK Aid Direct representatives insist their offer is purely humanitarian. But in the corridors of power in Nairobi, this looks like a quiet victory for British influence over American.
I've seen the confidential memos. They show that US ambassador to Kenya had personally lobbied the president for the quarantine centre. The president stalled. Now the British have walked in.
Where does this leave the people of Garissa? The original American project promised 200 beds, isolation wards, and an incinerator. The British plan offers maybe 40 beds and mobile teams. An Ebola outbreak doesn't respect political boundaries. If the virus crosses the Somali border, these delays could cost lives.
Sources confirm that at least two other counties have suspended US-backed health projects pending review. The pattern is clear: American aid is becoming toxic in Kenya. Corruption accusations, land disputes, and security fears are creating a perfect storm.
British aid officials are privately delighted. One told me: "It shows we're more agile. We can respond without the baggage." But the British taxpayer is now funding a replacement project that many believe is substandard.
The money trail leads to a small charity registered in London last year. It has no track record in Ebola response. Yet it has been awarded the contract by UK Aid Direct. No competitive tender was held.
And so the merry-go-round continues. American money wasted. British money rushed. Kenyan politicians enriched. And the people of Garissa wait for a health facility that keeps being promised but never built. I'll be following the money. I suggest you do too.
