Govt Announces Changes Affecting Ambulances Services

The government has directed all ambulances and emergency care providers across the country to register with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) as part of efforts to streamline and standardise emergency healthcare services.
In a notice issued on Monday by the Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr David Kariuki, KMPDC stated that ambulance services form a critical component of the emergency patient care continuum and must therefore operate within regulated standards.
According to the directive, the registration requirement applies to all ambulances in Kenya, regardless of whether they are publicly or privately owned.
”The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), pursuant to the Health Act, 2017 and the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253), hereby notifies all providers of ambulance services and emergency care personnel and technicians providing medical services in Kenya to register with the Council,” the directive read in part.
In addition, all emergency care personnel are required to comply, and this includes paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), ambulance operators,and other healthcare workers delivering pre-hospital care.
KMPDC explained that the primary goal of the registration exercise is to standardise emergency services nationwide. By ensuring that all providers meet minimum professional and operational requirements, the Council aims to improve the quality of pre-hospital healthcare and reduce disparities in service delivery.
The notice further noted that the registration process would also support the operationalisation of the emergency services component under the Social Health Authority’s (SHA) Emergency, Critical Care, and Chronic Illness Fund.
Ambulance service providers and emergency care personnel have been directed to submit their applications either by email to the council or physically at its offices. Application forms and detailed requirements are available for download from the Council’s website.
The Council has set September 15, 2025, as the cutoff time for applications, with providers who fail to comply risking sanctions, including prohibition from operating ambulances oroffering emergency medical services in the country.
Dr Kariuki maintained that the exercise is not only a regulatory requirement but also a commitment to safeguarding the lives of Kenyans.
The directive is expected to bring order to a sector that has previously operated with gaps in oversight, with some ambulances and emergency service providers lacking clear accountability or adherence to professional standards.
KMPDC affirmed that the Council remains committed to ensuring quality, safe, and accessible emergency medical services for all citizens.
“Failure to register with KMPDC will result in sanctions, including prohibition from operating ambulances or providing emergency medical services,” it added.