County Leaders Convene In Nairobi To Boost Emergency Medical Care In Kenya
The Mt Kenya Times 
Dr. Matano Kibwana,Head of EMS Kilifi county addressing the media
By: Cynthia Masibo
Worth Noting:
- EMKF officials underscored the importance of this workshop for engaging county leaders in meaningful conversations about healthcare preparedness and resilience. “The need for rapid, effective emergency response cannot be overstated. We aim to empower our county leaders with the tools and insights necessary to tackle the specific challenges they face in emergency medical care,” said Dr. Benjamin Wachira, the founder and Executive Director of EMKF.
- The “Emergency Medical Care Scorecard,” a new metric developed by EMKF, served as the central focus of the workshop. This tool assesses each county’s performance in emergency care based on several key indicators, such as response times, infrastructure, availability of critical resources, and medical training levels.
The Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation has hosted a pivotal two-day County Leadership Emergency Care Workshop from October 31 to November 1, 2024, in Nairobi centered around the theme “Emergency Medical Care Scorecard,” the workshop brought together leaders from across Kenya to assess the state of emergency medical services and forge a path toward an evidence-based, universal healthcare approach.
With the growing importance of emergency medical care in mitigating life-threatening situations, the event aimed to highlight progress, challenges, and opportunities for enhancing emergency healthcare across the country. Kilifi County was represented by Mr. Kibwana, who joined other county leaders and health experts to discuss solutions tailored to their regions’ unique needs.
EMKF, a non-governmental organization dedicated to strengthening Kenya’s emergency healthcare system, organized the workshop to drive impactful change. Established in 2015, the foundation has long championed a mission to support both governmental and emergency healthcare providers. By advancing capacity-building initiatives, knowledge development, advocacy, and research, EMKF strives to establish a robust emergency healthcare infrastructure in Kenya.
EMKF officials underscored the importance of this workshop for engaging county leaders in meaningful conversations about healthcare preparedness and resilience. “The need for rapid, effective emergency response cannot be overstated. We aim to empower our county leaders with the tools and insights necessary to tackle the specific challenges they face in emergency medical care,” said Dr. Benjamin Wachira, the founder and Executive Director of EMKF.
The “Emergency Medical Care Scorecard,” a new metric developed by EMKF, served as the central focus of the workshop. This tool assesses each county’s performance in emergency care based on several key indicators, such as response times, infrastructure, availability of critical resources, and medical training levels. By offering a standardized metric, the scorecard enables counties to identify gaps in their emergency services and seek ways to enhance them effectively.
Representing Kilifi County, Mr. Kibwana stressed the importance of collaboration in strengthening the country’s emergency response capabilities. “Kilifi County, like many other regions in Kenya, faces unique healthcare challenges. Participating in workshops like these equips us with actionable insights and connects us with other leaders working toward similar goals. Together, we can build a system that ensures no Kenyan is left vulnerable in times of emergency,” he stated.
Throughout the sessions, participants explored the state of emergency medical services at county levels, examining factors such as personnel training, equipment availability, and access to timely medical intervention. These discussions provided an invaluable platform for knowledge-sharing and encouraged counties to adopt successful strategies implemented elsewhere.
EMKF also highlighted several of its recent initiatives in emergency medical care, including partnerships with international organizations and advocacy efforts aimed at securing more government support for emergency healthcare. In addition, the foundation emphasized the need to invest in community-based emergency response programs, which would ensure quick assistance to patients even in remote areas.
As the event drew to a close, county representatives and healthcare officials agreed on the need for continued collaboration. Many expressed optimism that this workshop would mark a turning point for emergency medical care in Kenya, leading to a standardized system that can offer life-saving interventions in critical moments.
The workshop’s outcomes are expected to contribute to the ongoing national dialogue on healthcare improvement, especially as counties seek to address healthcare inequities and enhance access to emergency services. EMKF hopes that the insights gained will inspire counties to implement evidence-based practices and build resilient healthcare systems that save lives across the country.
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