President Ruto Launches SHA 922 Emergency Service to Strengthen Kenya’s Emergency Healthcare System
By Ishmael Bosire,
President William Ruto has officially launched the Social Health Authority (SHA) 922 Emergency Service at the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre in Nairobi County, describing it as a transformative step towards achieving universal access to emergency healthcare services across the country.
The launch marks a major milestone under the government’s Taifa Care programme, which seeks to ensure that every Kenyan has access to quality, affordable and timely healthcare. The new 922 Emergency Service introduces a single national emergency hotline that will enable members of the public to quickly access ambulance and emergency medical services regardless of their location.
Speaking during the launch, President Ruto said the government is committed to building a healthcare system that responds efficiently to emergencies and saves lives. He noted that the centralized dispatch centre will coordinate emergency calls from all parts of the country, ensuring patients receive immediate assistance through the nearest available ambulance.
“The launch of the SHA 922 Emergency Service is a significant step in our journey towards providing equitable healthcare for every Kenyan. No one should lose their life because emergency medical assistance could not be reached in time,” the President said.
The state-of-the-art National Ambulance Dispatch Centre will operate around the clock and is equipped with modern communication and digital tracking systems that enable real-time monitoring of ambulances. The facility will coordinate emergency response teams, healthcare providers and county governments to ensure faster response times and efficient patient referrals.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the emergency service has been designed to improve coordination among healthcare providers while reducing delays that often occur during medical emergencies. He noted that trained emergency dispatch personnel and clinical teams will receive calls, assess the nature of emergencies and deploy the most appropriate ambulance to the scene.
According to the Ministry of Health, more than 200 accredited ambulances have already been integrated into the system, with plans underway to onboard additional public and private ambulance providers to achieve nationwide coverage. The ministry also announced that the emergency service will be linked to accredited hospitals under the Social Health Authority to ensure patients receive prompt treatment upon arrival.
President Ruto emphasized that the success of the service will depend on collaboration between the national government, county governments, healthcare institutions and emergency responders. He called upon county administrations to strengthen emergency healthcare infrastructure and invest in additional ambulances, medical personnel and emergency preparedness.
The President further urged Kenyans to make responsible use of the 922 emergency number, saying it is intended strictly for genuine medical emergencies. He expressed confidence that the service will significantly reduce preventable deaths resulting from road accidents, maternal emergencies, cardiac conditions and other life-threatening situations requiring urgent medical attention.
The launch of the SHA 922 Emergency Service represents a significant advancement in Kenya’s healthcare reforms. By integrating technology, emergency coordination and nationwide ambulance services into a single response system, the government aims to improve emergency medical care, reduce response times and ensure that every Kenyan can access life-saving treatment when it is needed most. The initiative is expected to play a critical role in strengthening the country’s healthcare system while advancing the realization of Universal Health Coverage under the Taifa Care programme
