Kenyans across the country will soon benefit from free ambulance services as part of a government-backed plan to strengthen emergency healthcare. The service, expected to launch by December 2025, is designed to ensure that every citizen, regardless of location, can access timely medical attention during emergencies.
The initiative is set to transform how emergency response is handled in Kenya. Citizens will be able to call a designated number, where operators will use location tracking to dispatch the nearest available ambulance. Patients will then be transported to the closest emergency centre for immediate care. Importantly, the first 24 hours of emergency treatment at the facility will also be free of charge, with costs fully covered under the programme.
To support this, the Social Health Authority (SHA) has committed to paying Ksh4,500 per evacuation. This move is expected to ease the financial burden on families during crises, where high transport and hospital admission fees often hinder timely treatment. By removing these barriers, the service aims to save lives, especially in rural and underserved areas where access to emergency healthcare remains limited.
Health professionals have welcomed the initiative as a major milestone in improving public health. Emergency response has long been a weak link in Kenya’s healthcare system, with many deaths occurring due to delays in reaching medical facilities. The rollout of a free nationwide ambulance service represents a significant step toward addressing this gap.
In addition to the ambulance programme, SHA has clarified its position on overseas medical coverage. Only 39 specialised procedures that are currently unavailable in Kenya will be covered abroad. Patients requiring these treatments will be supported with a tariff of up to Ksh500,000. A gazette notice will soon outline the procedures and the list of designated hospitals, ensuring transparency and clarity for citizens seeking advanced treatment outside the country.
The introduction of free ambulance services and selective overseas treatment coverage reflects the government’s broader goal of making healthcare more accessible and affordable. By prioritising emergency care and reducing out-of-pocket expenses, the new measures are expected to improve survival rates and foster greater equity in the healthcare system.
Citizens and healthcare stakeholders are now looking forward to the December rollout, with hopes that the programme will mark a new era in emergency medical response and overall healthcare delivery in Kenya.
