KMPDC Orders All Ambulances to Register or Face Shutdown by September 2025
The government has announced a mandatory registration exercise for all ambulances and emergency care providers in the country. This is a big change in how emergency healthcare will be regulated and delivered.
In a notice issued yesterday, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) said ambulance services are part of the patient care chain and must now meet set professional and operational standards.
The directive signed by KMPDC Chief Executive Officer Dr. David Kariuki requires every ambulance—state or private—to be registered with the Council. The same applies to emergency personnel including paramedics, EMTs, ambulance operators and other professionals offering pre-hospital care.
“KMPDC in line with the Health Act, 2017 and Cap 253 hereby directs all ambulance providers and emergency healthcare staff operating in Kenya to register with the Council,” read part of the notice.
According to KMPDC, the registration exercise is to harmonize emergency services across the country and eliminate gaps in oversight. Once done, it will ensure all providers meet minimum standards and support the roll-out of emergency services under the Social Health Authority’s (SHA) Emergency, Critical Care and Chronic Illness Fund.
Ambulance operators are required to submit their applications either physically at KMPDC offices or via email. Application forms and guidelines are already available on the Council’s website.
The deadline is September 15, 2025. Failure to register will attract tough penalties including suspension from operating ambulances or offering emergency medical services in Kenya.
Dr. Kariuki defended the move saying it’s not just about compliance but about saving lives. He said a standardized system will address long-standing concerns over poorly regulated ambulance services that in some cases operated without accountability or adherence to professional standards.
KMPDC reiterated its commitment to ensuring emergency medical services are safe, reliable and accessible to all Kenyans.
“Any provider who fails to register with KMPDC will face sanctions including prohibition from offering ambulance and emergency services in the country,” the Council warned.
This will overhaul the emergency response sector by enforcing professionalism, accountability and consistency across the country.
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KMPDC Orders All Ambulances to Register or Face Shutdown by September 2025