The National Ambulance Dispatch Centre is at an advanced stage of completion, with core dispatch systems already installed and undergoing testing ahead of the rollout of the Emergency Evacuation Services Programme.
The progress was highlighted during a review meeting chaired by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and attended by officials from the Social Health Authority (SHA) led by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi.
The meeting assessed overall preparedness for the national rollout, focusing on emergency response infrastructure, dispatch operations, staffing, ambulance accreditation, public communication strategies, and implementation timelines.
SHA reported that it is finalising key technical and operational requirements, including systems integration, specialised installations, ambulance accreditation, and validation of the implementation schedule to ensure a smooth launch.
The Authority also outlined plans to introduce the proposed SHA 112 Lifeline, a unified national emergency response number designed to provide the public with a single point of contact for emergency assistance across the country.
On workforce readiness, SHA confirmed that recruitment and training of dispatch personnel have been completed.
The officers will handle emergency call management, customer service, and claims processing functions. Additional drills and simulation exercises are planned to further strengthen operational preparedness before the official launch.
The meeting further revealed that more than 100 ambulances have already been accredited following compliance assessments, with ongoing efforts to expand participation across all counties, especially in regions with limited emergency transport capacity.
To support the rollout, SHA is preparing a nationwide public awareness campaign that will use both traditional and digital media, community outreach programmes, county governments, healthcare providers, and local administration structures to educate citizens on how to access and use the service.
CS Duale commended the progress made and emphasized the need to sustain momentum to ensure timely operationalisation of the programme.
Once launched, the Emergency Evacuation Services Programme and the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre are expected to significantly strengthen Kenya’s emergency medical response system by providing coordinated, timely, and equitable access to emergency and specialised healthcare services across the country.
