Report Reveals Gaps in Kenya’s Emergency Response System

A recent health sector report has raised serious concerns over Kenya’s ability to effectively respond to medical emergencies, highlighting significant weaknesses in coordination, infrastructure, and readiness. The study by the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) and GLOBESOLUTE shows that around 40% of counties lack diagnostic labs that meet national standards. This undermines the country’s capacity to detect and respond promptly to outbreaks and critical health threats.
At the pre-hospital level, major challenges persist. A baseline review of hospital capabilities found that only 18% of health facilities have ambulances on site, and there is no integrated emergency medical services (EMS) system or national toll-free emergency number in operation. The country’s Emergency Medical Care Policy (2020–2030) also notes that many ambulances are underused or poorly dispatched due to lack of a coordinated central system.
Another structural problem is the lack of trained emergency personnel and community engagement. A policy‑analysis report points out that many first responders—such as boda-boda riders or community health workers—are not formally trained in emergency medical care. Additionally, ambulance drivers often lack proper certification, and most counties don’t have paramedics or dedicated Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).
Community-level response is also underdeveloped. According to a KIPPRA study, many Kenyans in rural areas have limited first-aid capacity, and there are very few community-based programs to train people on what to do in emergencies. Meanwhile, poor coordination and fragmented ambulance networks—especially in remote areas—delay critical care, costing lives that could otherwise be saved with a more integrated and well-funded emergency care system.