Citizens Unimpressed As Kenya Launches Motorcycle Ambulances To Boost Maternal And Child Healthcare
Citizens across Kenya have reacted with disbelief, sarcasm and anger after the Laikipia County Government rolled out motorcycle ambulances aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare in remote areas. The initiative is intended to bridge long distances and poor road networks. Instead, it has sparked a fierce public debate online, with many Kenyans questioning safety, dignity and priorities in healthcare delivery.
The programme was unveiled in Laikipia North, an area known for rough terrain and limited access to conventional ambulances. Images of the motorcycle ambulances, some fitted with patient trailers, quickly circulated on X, drawing thousands of comments within hours.
Officials Defend The Health Initiative
County officials stood by the project and described it as a lifesaving intervention rather than a downgrade of services.
Speaking at the launch on 4 February 2026, Laikipia County Executive for Health Dr Albert Taiti said the move was deliberate and timely.
“Today, we are excited to be launching the pilot for motorcycle ambulances in collaboration with the Eezer Initiative. This comes at a time when the county is working hard to improve maternal and child health outcomes,” he said.
Dr Taiti explained that some communities remain cut off during emergencies due to poor roads.
“There are places where a normal ambulance simply cannot reach in time. These motorcycles are meant to respond quickly and save lives,” he added.
The project is being piloted in partnership with the Eezer Initiative, a Swedish-backed programme focused on rural healthcare mobility in Africa. Five motorcycle ambulances have been deployed across Laikipia North and parts of Laikipia West.
Eezer’s Laikipia coordinator, Dr Alfred Sadera, said access was the core issue.
“We understand the challenges women face when they go into labour far from a health facility. Long distances and poor roads have cost lives. We believe this project addresses that gap,” he said.
Online Backlash And Public Skepticism
Despite official assurances, public reaction has been largely hostile. Kenyans on X questioned whether pregnant women could safely be transported on such vehicles.
One user, @mr_fiicanow, wrote:
“What if the mother starts pushing the baby aboard this? Si katoto katajipata kwa lami jameni (the baby could end up on the tarmac).”
Another user, @intro_martyne, said:
“I feel like the patient might die faster on that ambulance.”
Others framed the issue as misuse of public funds. @GoraniNK posted:
“It is 2026. We are taxed to our fingertips. Bodabodas shouldn’t be used to ferry sick people, much less pregnant mothers.”
Concerns were also raised about dignity and safety. @JamesKifugi commented:
“We know how bodas ride hapa. Hii ni kwenda Orthopedic ward after maternity (this is a direct trip to the orthopaedic ward after giving birth).”
What The County Says Comes Next
County Director of Preventive and Promotive Health Services Wilson Gitonga said the motorcycles are meant to complement, not replace, ambulances.
“These units will strengthen referrals from rural facilities to higher-level hospitals, especially for mothers and children who need urgent care,” he said.
The Eezer Initiative says similar models have been used elsewhere. Between 2021 and 2023, the programme recorded 24,000 pregnancy-related transports in Burundi using 71 motorcycle ambulances.
Whether the Laikipia pilot will gain public acceptance remains uncertain. For now, the images have ignited a national conversation about healthcare access, infrastructure and dignity.
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The post Citizens Unimpressed As Kenya Launches Motorcycle Ambulances For Pregnant Women, Sparking Online Backlash appeared first on iHarare News.
