Kenyan senators have expressed deep concern over the worsening state of ambulance services in various counties, highlighting how grounded vehicles and weak emergency systems are endangering lives.

Critical Gaps in Emergency Medical Transport

According to Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda, a member of the Senate Health Committee, many counties have ambulances that are non-functional due to poor upkeep and delayed payments. She described the situation as a "national embarrassment," noting that vehicles intended to save lives are being neglected.

Mutinda revealed that the committee has inspected ambulance services in nearly 60% of counties, including visits to hospitals in Wajir, Mandera, Kakamega, Garissa, Vihiga, Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos. She urged county governors to prioritize healthcare by implementing the committee's recommendations.

County-Specific Challenges

  • Marsabit: Senator Mohamed Chute detailed the shortage of operational ambulances in his vast county, emphasizing how this affects emergency referrals, maternal health, and accident response. Residents often rely on unsuitable private transport, causing dangerous delays.
  • Narok: Senator Ledama Olekina linked the ambulance crisis partly to unpaid bills owed to the Kenya Red Cross Society, which provides ambulance services nationwide. He noted that accumulated debts have led to loss of service in counties like Narok.
  • Kakamega: Senator Boni Khalwale highlighted the health inequalities worsened by the ambulance shortage, especially in marginalized areas such as Marsabit. He pointed to high maternal mortality rates exacerbated by lack of emergency transport and inadequate hospital staffing.

Calls for Urgent Reforms

Senators collectively called for increased investment in ambulance procurement, maintenance, staffing, and fuel to enhance emergency referral systems. They warned that without swift action, vulnerable populations in remote counties will continue facing critical barriers to timely medical care.

Additionally, concerns were raised about the Social Health Authority's performance, with calls for the Health Cabinet Secretary to ensure hospitals meet service standards before being classified as higher-level facilities.

The senators' oversight underscores the urgent need to strengthen Kenya’s emergency healthcare infrastructure to safeguard lives across all counties.