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The Council of Governors has rejected a directive by Kenya’s medical regulatory council requiring counties to register ambulances and emergency personnel, calling it an unconstitutional intrusion on devolved health functions.
Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-15 16:30 EAT. The Council of Governors (CoG) has directed counties to defy a notice from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) ordering the registration of all ambulances and emergency medical staff by September 15, 2025, citing violation of devolved health functions
CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi said the KMPDC Act does not give the regulator authority over county ambulance services
In a letter to governors, he called the directive “unconstitutional” and urged counties to “treat it with contempt”while continuing to manage services under county laws
Requires counties to register ambulances, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and pre-hospital care staff.
Threatens to bar unregistered operators from providing emergency services.
Earlier talks between the Ministry of Health, Social Health Authority, and counties explored a national ambulance dispatch centre funded via the Emergency, Critical and Chronic Illness Fund
County health executives rejected the plan, citing conflicts with county mandates and constitutional provisions on devolution〔Abdullahi accused the ministry of breaking consultation agreements and said the unilateral directive undermines devolution
County governments may challenge the directive in court if the national government tries to enforce it.
Observers warn the standoff could worsen already tense relations between national and county health officials.
Any emergency medical reforms, the CoG insists, must respect constitutional boundaries and be developed through collaborative frameworks.
Whether the Ministry of Health or KMPDC seek legal enforcement of the registration order.
Possible court injunctions from county governments challenging the directive.
Proposals for a national–county task force to coordinate emergency services without undermining devolution.
