Kenya to launch SHA ambulance services; how it will work

Under the new plan, SHA will cover Sh4,500 for each emergency evacuation.

by JANET ONYANGO

News17 September 2025 - 09:33

In Summary

Once a call is made, the caller’s location will be identified using digital tracking tools, and an ambulance will be dispatched to transport them to the nearest emergency facility.
Dr. Mwangangi confirmed that the emergency ambulance service will be operational nationwide before the year ends.

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Kenya is set to launch a national ambulance service before the end of the year, according to Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, CEO of the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The system will allow citizens to call a central toll-free number.

Once a call is made, the caller’s location will be identified using digital tracking tools, and an ambulance will be dispatched to transport them to the nearest emergency facility.

Speaking in a recent interview, Dr. Mwangangi confirmed that the emergency ambulance service will be operational nationwide before the year ends.

“Kenya will soon be launching an ambulance service. Very soon, you’ll be able to pick up your phone, call a number—possibly 999—your location will be identified, mapped, and an ambulance dispatched to transport you to an emergency centre,” she said.

Under the new plan, SHA will cover Sh4,500 for each emergency evacuation. Patients will also receive 24 hours of free emergency care at the receiving facility.

“SHA will pay Sh4,500 for evacuation, and patients will access care for free for 24 hours without paying,” Dr. Mwangangi added.

The initiative is part of broader reforms under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, aimed at improving access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

Real-time location tracking will be integrated into the system to enable faster ambulance response and reduce delays in emergency care.

Dr. Mwangangi emphasised the government’s commitment to people-centred health reforms designed to eliminate financial barriers and ensure timely access to life-saving services.

The ambulance service will cater to a wide range of critical conditions, including maternity complications such as excessive bleeding, severe asthma attacks, stroke, kidney failure, and heart conditions.

Health experts say the development marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey toward achieving Universal Health Coverage and strengthening the country’s emergency response infrastructure.