NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya will launch a nationwide ambulance service before the end of 2025, allowing citizens to call a central toll-free number and receive emergency evacuation to the nearest health facility, the Social Health Authority (SHA) has announced.
SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi said the system will integrate digital tracking tools to identify callers’ locations in real time, enabling ambulances to respond faster and cut delays in emergency care.
“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,” Dr. Mwangangi said in an interview.
Under the new plan, SHA will pay KSh 4,500 for each emergency evacuation, while patients will receive 24 hours of free emergency care at the receiving facility.
The service will cater to a wide range of life-threatening conditions, including maternity complications such as excessive bleeding, severe asthma attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and heart conditions.
“This is part of broader people-centred reforms to eliminate financial barriers and ensure timely access to life-saving services,” Dr. Mwangangi added, noting the programme is anchored under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
Health experts have welcomed the move, calling it a milestone in strengthening Kenya’s emergency response infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
The ambulance service is expected to ease pressure on families facing medical emergencies and marks a major step toward delivering the government’s UHC promise.
