Kenyans will soon be able to access free emergency care for the first 24 hours, under a new plan by the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Health CS Aden Duale said the changes will begin in June, when a nationwide ambulance system is also expected to go live.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Duale said the idea is simple if someone has an emergency, they will only need to make a call, and the nearest ambulance will be sent to them.
From there, the patient will be taken to the closest hospital and treated immediately, without being asked for money first.
The cost of the ambulance and the first 24 hours of care will be handled by the Social Health Authority (SHA).
This includes admission, tests and even surgery if needed.
For many Kenyans, especially those in urgent situations, being asked for a deposit before treatment has often caused delays. The new plan is meant to change that.
Duale said the government wants to make sure that no one is turned away or left waiting because they cannot afford emergency care.
The plan will run under SHA’s Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, which is designed to support patients in serious conditions.
Details shared earlier by SHA show ambulance providers will be paid a standard fee for short distances, with extra charges added for longer trips.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said many people still don’t know that emergency treatment is supposed to be free for a limited time, and the new system will help make that a reality.
If it works as planned, the changes could make a real difference in how fast people get help, especially in life-threatening situations where every minute counts.