Kenyans can now access round-the-clock emergency medical services by dialing 922, following the launch of the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre by President William Ruto. The newly introduced system is a centralized digital command hub designed to streamline emergency response across the country. It is based at the Social Health Authority (SHA) and connects over 600 accredited ambulances from public and private providers, including county governments, the Kenya Red Cross, and St John Ambulance.
The platform uses advanced technology to ensure quick and efficient response to emergencies. Once a call is made to 922, trained medical dispatchers assess the situation and locate the nearest available ambulance using GPS tracking. Patients are then directed to the most suitable health facility, based on real-time data such as bed availability and specialized services.
President Ruto announced that ambulance services and the first 24 hours of emergency treatment will be free for all Kenyans, regardless of their registration status with the Social Health Authority. The costs will be covered under the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, ensuring that patients receive immediate care without financial barriers.
Wide Coverage of Medical Emergencies
The service is expected to handle a range of life-threatening conditions, including:
- Road traffic accidents
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Poisoning cases
- Critical maternal health emergencies
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the system eliminates fragmentation in emergency services by integrating ambulance providers nationwide into one coordinated network. The government emphasized that the dispatch centre will serve all 47 counties, ensuring both urban and rural areas benefit from faster and more standardized emergency response.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Kenya’s healthcare system by improving access to emergency services and reducing delays in critical care. With the introduction of 922, authorities hope to enhance lifesaving interventions and ensure that no patient is denied urgent medical attention due to financial constraints.
