The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has announced the full transition of ambulance registration to an online system, in a move aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and regulatory accountability within the country’s health sector.
In a public notice issued on Friday, the Council stated that all ambulance operators and stakeholders are now required to complete the registration process through its new digital platform available at https://ems.kmpdc.go.ke/registration. The deadline for submission of applications is Friday, November 7, 2025.
“The Council appreciates the patience and understanding of all stakeholders during the transition period and reaffirms its commitment to enhancing efficiency, transparency and accountability in its overall operations and regulatory functions,” said Dr. David G. Kariuki, CEO and Registrar of the KMPDC.
The move is part of a broader push by the Council to digitise key regulatory services in line with Kenya’s ongoing public sector digital transformation and the government’s Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy Initiative, one of the key pillars of the national development agenda.
Streamlining Healthcare Regulation
Ambulance registration is a critical part of the Council’s mandate to regulate emergency medical services and ensure compliance with national health standards. Until now, the process has been largely manual, requiring physical submissions and extended verification periods.
The online platform will now allow operators to apply, upload documents, and track the status of their applications remotely. This digital shift is expected to reduce turnaround times, minimise paperwork, and enhance data integrity.
According to health sector analysts, the transition reflects the government’s continued efforts to streamline regulatory systems and improve service delivery in the health sector.
“Digitising ambulance registration not only simplifies compliance for operators but also gives KMPDC real-time visibility into the national ambulance fleet,” said Dr. George Ogutu, a health systems expert and lecturer at the University of Nairobi. “This can improve oversight, emergency coordination, and overall quality of medical transport services.”
Supporting the Expanding EMS Sector
Kenya’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) sector has expanded rapidly over the past decade, driven by the growing demand for pre-hospital care, private ambulance providers, and corporate health services. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for well-regulated and responsive ambulance systems capable of supporting both urban and rural communities.
By moving registration online, KMPDC aims to enhance visibility into the quality, capacity, and distribution of ambulances across the country — a crucial step in strengthening the national emergency response framework.
The system is expected to capture key data such as ownership details, staff qualifications, vehicle specifications, and licensing history, enabling the Council to maintain an up-to-date and verifiable registry of approved ambulance operators.
“Accurate registration data helps emergency responders, hospitals, and regulatory agencies coordinate more effectively,” said Dr. Ogutu. “It also helps identify unregistered or non-compliant operators, improving safety for patients and accountability within the industry.”
Enhancing Compliance and Oversight
Under Kenya’s health regulations, all ambulances operating within the country — whether public, private, or institutionally owned — must be registered and certified by the KMPDC before being deployed for patient transport.
The Council enforces compliance standards related to vehicle equipment, staffing, and service protocols, ensuring that all licensed ambulances meet the minimum operational requirements for emergency care and medical evacuation.
Previously, the registration process involved in-person submissions at the Council’s offices, which sometimes caused delays and documentation challenges. With the new system, applicants can complete the entire process remotely, from uploading inspection reports to paying registration fees.
This aligns with Kenya’s e-Government strategy, which seeks to make public services more accessible, transparent, and efficient through technology.
Broader Push for Digital Health Governance
The online ambulance registration platform is part of KMPDC’s ongoing digital transformation agenda, which includes electronic licensing of medical practitioners, online accreditation of health facilities, and digital verification of professional credentials.
Since 2023, the Council has been progressively integrating its services into a unified Health Practitioners Management System (HPMS) — a move that aims to create a centralised, interoperable database of medical personnel, facilities, and emergency services.
The shift comes amid growing emphasis on data-driven regulation and service delivery across the public health sector. The Ministry of Health has also championed the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS) and other digital platforms to strengthen governance, accountability, and planning within the national health framework.
“Our goal is to make all regulatory and licensing processes more transparent and accessible,” Dr. Kariuki noted earlier this year at a health regulatory forum in Nairobi. “Digital tools allow us to maintain higher compliance standards and serve healthcare providers more efficiently.”
How to Register
Ambulance operators seeking registration are required to access the portal at https://ems.kmpdc.go.ke/registration, where they can create an account, complete application forms, upload supporting documentation, and submit payments electronically.
The system will automatically generate acknowledgment receipts and notify applicants of the next steps, including inspection scheduling and certificate issuance.
KMPDC has urged all service providers — including hospitals, private ambulance companies, and NGOs — to ensure compliance before the November 7 deadline to avoid regulatory penalties or suspension from operations.
Toward a More Transparent Health Ecosystem
The Council’s latest digital milestone underscores the ongoing transformation of Kenya’s health regulation landscape. By integrating technology into core licensing processes, KMPDC is reinforcing its commitment to efficiency, transparency, and accountability — values that are increasingly central to Kenya’s broader health sector reform.
For emergency service providers and patients alike, the digitalisation of ambulance registration represents more than administrative convenience; it signals a shift toward a modern, technology-enabled healthcare ecosystem where responsiveness and regulation work hand in hand.
As Kenya continues to invest in health infrastructure and innovation, KMPDC’s move sets a precedent for other health sector regulators to follow — bridging the gap between public service and digital efficiency.
