Kiambu County Assembly has rolled out a fleet of 16 newly assembled ambulances, each equipped with a modern digital tracking system, to enhance emergency medical services across the County.
The initiative, launched under the County’s Health Infrastructure Improvement programme, aims to cut response time and increase efficiency in handling emergencies, particularly in remote and densely populated areas.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the County Headquarters, Governor Kimani Wamatangi, said the move was part of a broader commitment to improve healthcare services.
“The County is not just building a health system but a lifesaving network that combines technology, infrastructure and trained personnel to serve the people better,” he said.
The Ambulances were assembled in Kenya as part of the County’s efforts to promote local manufacturing while lowering costs. Each unit is fully equipped with life-saving equipment, including oxygen tanks, trauma kits, and defibrillators, making them mobile mini-clinics capable of handling a wide range of emergencies.
According to County Executive Committee Member for Health, Dr Elias Maina, the tracking technology would enable real-time monitoring of ambulance locations, fuel usage and response patterns, allowing for quicker dispatch and better coordination with nearby health facilities.
“When a call for help comes in, the system automatically identifies the closest available ambulance and directs it to the scene. This smart system cuts down on response times and saves lives,” he said.
Residents have welcomed the development, saying the deployment of more ambulances would help reduce pressure on overstretched medical services, particularly in rural sub-counties.
The Kiambu County Assembly has pledged continued support for health sector budget allocations, noting that the ambulance programme would be expanded to include regular training of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and maintenance of the fleet.
As the County grapples with rising road accidents and health emergencies, the modernised ambulance system is expected to bridge gaps in emergency response and contribute significantly to saving lives.
By Vivian Makungu
