NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenya’s president on Monday defended the establishment of an Ebola quarantine facility by the U.S., a move that led to protests despite a court order blocking the plan.
President William Ruto on Monday night said the U.S. had a long-standing partnership with Kenya on health matters and that the quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base was one of 24 facilities that had been established in the event of an Ebola outbreak in the country.
Some Kenyans have opposed the Laikipia facility after the U.S. last week said no American Ebola patient would be allowed to return home and that patients would instead be quarantined at the facility in Kenya. The U.S. intends to commit $13 million to the partnership with Kenya.
The high court on Tuesday extended orders issued Friday suspending the construction of the facility and the arrival of foreign patients. The case had been filed by the Law Society of Kenya and a constitutional watchdog, Katiba Institute, who cited Kenya's fragile health system as unable to handle foreign patients.
Speaking for the first time on the matter, Ruto said he agreed to the establishment of the facility based on existing bilateral relations.
“When President Trump asked the government of Kenya to support them by having a center at Laikipia Air Base, I gave the OK because it was an agreement and a partnership with friends who have worked with Kenya for 30-40 years,” he said.
Ruto said the facilities established across the country under the partnership would also benefit Kenyans in the event of an Ebola outbreak.
“We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing. People should relax. Politicians should avoid reckless, unnecessary talk that doesn’t mean anything,” he said.
A protester holds up a placard during a demonstration against a proposed Ebola quarantine center to be established by the United States at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, Kenya, Monday, June 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku)
SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 2, 2026--
Global technology corporation FPT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SATS Ltd, one of the world’s leading providers of air cargo handling services and Asia’s leading airline caterer. The agreement establishes a framework to explore and develop strategic collaborations focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation across Singapore, Vietnam, and the broader APAC region.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260602737234/en/
This partnership combines SATS’ deep expertise in ground handling and in-flight catering services with FPT’s comprehensive capabilities in AI and digital transformation. Through this MOU, FPT and SATS aim to jointly explore strategic projects that integrate AI for modernizing aviation logistics services, optimizing operational efficiency, enhancing resilience and elevating the overall passenger experience in the dynamic APAC region, especially in Singapore and Vietnam.
APAC logistics and aviation sectors are currently undergoing rapid transformation. With Singapore cementing its status as a world-leading aviation and logistics hub, and Vietnam emerging as one of the fastest-growing supply chain markets in the region, the demand for highly optimized, AI-driven operations is at an all-time high.
“AI application has moved beyond the hype to drive real measurable gains in efficiency, cost savings, and service quality. FPT is committed to being a trusted partner in delivering AI transformation at scale for logistics and aviation sectors, ensuring that Singapore and Vietnam remain at the forefront of global supply chain excellence”, said David Nguyen, FPT Software Senior Vice President and FPT Asia Pacific Chief Executive Officer, FPT Corporation.
“The signing of this MOU reflects both parties’ intention to explore potential collaboration opportunities and establish a framework for future discussions. While the partnership remains at an exploratory stage, we are encouraged by the potential alignment in our strategic priorities and look forward to continued engagement,” said Bob Chi, CEO of APAC Gateway Services, SATS Ltd.
With APAC among its strategic markets, FPT has accelerated digital transformation for over 500 leading enterprises across critical sectors such as aviation, logistics, healthcare, and BFSI. Harnessing deep expertise in AI, cloud, data, automation, legacy modernization, and managed services, FPT has enabled organizations to maximize operational excellence and business impact. This mission is driven by an AI-first approach, leveraging the comprehensive FleziPT platform, a global workforce of over 30,000 AI-augmented engineers, world-class AI Factories in Vietnam and Japan, and partnerships with global AI leaders. FPT remains committed to making AI a core competitive advantage for both the corporation and its clients.
About FPT
FPT Corporation (FPT) is a globally leading Vietnam-headquartered technology and IT services provider, with operations spanning more than 30 countries and territories. Over more than three decades, FPT has consistently delivered impactful solutions to millions of individuals and tens of thousands of organizations worldwide. With a strong focus on mastering strategic technologies, FPT continues to drive innovation across industries. As an AI-first company, FPT is committed to elevating Vietnam’s position on the global tech map and delivering world-class AI-enabled solutions for global enterprises. In 2025, FPT reported a total revenue of USD 2.66 billion and a workforce of over 54,000 employees across its core businesses.
For more information about FPT's global IT services, please visit https://fptsoftware.com.
The MOU exchange ceremony took place in Singapore during the official visit by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and State President H.E. To Lam