Kakamega County Enhances Medical Response with 12 New KRCS Ambulances

By Seliphar Machoni 

Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa has flagged off 12 new ambulances, which will be used by the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) to provide emergency and evacuation services to residents. 

The governor noted that two of the ambulances are advanced life support vehicles, also known as Moving Intensive Care Units (ICUs).

These new ambulances will replace older ones whose operational lifespan has ended, ensuring that emergency healthcare services remain uninterrupted. 

Speaking at Kakamega General Hospital during the flagging-off ceremony, Governor Barasa said the ambulances will be stationed in the county's 12 sub-counties, encouraging residents to utilize them.

Governor Fernandes Barasa speaking at Kakamega General Hospital during the flagging-off ceremony 

“There is a contract we have signed with the Kenya Red Cross Society to provide health services to our patients. Since it’s a leasing model, we have signed a five-year contract, which will be vital in helping our patients,” he added.

The governor highlighted that the county government has partnered with KRCS for the past 10 years to provide emergency medical services, education, water, and other services. He emphasized the importance of efficient healthcare services, especially given the vastness of the county, and noted that the reduced county budgets following the rejection of the finance bill make it necessary to adopt efficient strategies like the leasing model.

Former Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross Society, Abbas Gullet, stated that KRCS ambulances have responded to 60,000 emergency calls in Kakamega County over the past decade. He explained that as part of the leasing agreement with the county, ambulances are replaced every five years or when they reach 150,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. 

“The ambulances that have been flagged off today are fully equipped and staffed with highly trained paramedics. They are ready to provide 24/7 services throughout the year,” Gullet said. 

He praised Kakamega County's leadership for its excellent health services, noting that they are among the best in the country due to uninterrupted services.

Gullet also mentioned that KRCS has similar partnerships with other counties, including Mandera, Narok, Bomet, Kisii, Garissa, and Kiambu, using a leasing model. He pointed out that while some counties have opted to buy their own ambulances, they often face management issues. 

In contrast, Kakamega County has outsourced emergency response and evacuation, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on their core duties in clinics and hospitals.