New Report Highlights Challenges in Emergency Response

A recent assessment of Kenya’s emergency medical system has underscored serious gaps that are hindering timely, effective care during critical health crises. According to a Rapid Results Initiative report, many health facilities lack integrated data systems: over 60% of facilities have no trained data staff, and more than 78% report insufficient internet or digital connectivity, making real-time tracking of emergencies difficult.
In addition to data challenges, ambulance coverage remains highly fragmented. Counties continue to face shortages of ambulances, limited funding, and logistical hurdles. In remote areas—where terrain is difficult and road networks poor—the long distances and lack of dispatch coordination significantly delay response. This fragmentation, experts warn, undermines the effectiveness of emergency evacuation and referral systems meant to save lives.
A major point of tension highlighted in the report is coordination: the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) recently pushed for mandatory registration of all ambulances and EMTs, but county governments have rejected this move, citing issues with devolved mandates. According to policy analysts, this clash illustrates broader governance and regulatory ambiguity in Kenya’s emergency care architecture.
Further compounding the issue is the limited availability of trained emergency personnel. A policy-development framework revealed that many counties lack dedicated Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or paramedics. In some cases, ambulances are staffed by drivers without formal training, while nurses are reassigned to handle inter-hospital transfers—leaving gaps in pre-hospital care readiness.
Why it matters: These shortcomings significantly weaken Kenya’s ability to respond rapidly and efficiently to emergencies like accidents, sudden illness, and disasters. Health leaders are urging fast-tracked reforms, including:
Strengthening digital infrastructure (to improve dispatch and data coordination)
Scaling up EMS training for EMTs and first responders
Clarifying regulatory frameworks to resolve county–national tensions
Expanding and standardizing ambulance services, especially in underserved counties