Governors Tell Counties to Ignore Ambulance Registration Directive

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

The Latest

• 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

The Disputed Directive

• Requires counties to register ambulances, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and pre-hospital care staff.

• Threatens to bar unregistered operators from providing emergency services.

Background and Context

• 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

Reactions and Implications

• 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.

What to Watch

• 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.