KeNHA to Purchase Ambulances for 5 Countries After Securing Ksh 28.8B AfDB Loan

The Kenya National Highways Authority, KeNHA, has announced plans to procure a fleet of ambulances destined for five countries. This move follows the securing of a Ksh28.8 billion loan from the African Development Bank, AfDB, intended to bolster regional infrastructure and emergency response capabilities along major transport corridors.

According to official procurement details, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance safety and trade efficiency within the region. The acquisition of these emergency vehicles is tied to the Horn of Africa Gateway Road Project, which seeks to improve connectivity between Kenya and its neighbors.

The funding from the AfDB is designated for several critical components beyond road construction. While the primary focus remains on the dualing and upgrading of key transit routes, a portion of the credit is specifically allocated for social and health interventions. This includes the provision of medical equipment and vehicles to support communities living along the transit paths.

The five countries expected to benefit from this regional integrated approach include Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and Djibouti. By equipping these nations with modern ambulances, the project aims to reduce the mortality rate associated with road accidents on high-speed international highways.

President Ruto has previously emphasized the importance of these international partnerships in bridging the infrastructure gap. The government maintains that such loans are essential for the completion of capital-intensive projects that the domestic budget cannot fully cover at once.

KeNHA officials noted that the procurement process will be conducted in strict adherence to the AfDB’s international competitive bidding guidelines. This ensures transparency and allows for the acquisition of high-specification vehicles capable of operating in the diverse terrains found across the Horn of Africa.

Beyond the ambulances, the Ksh28.8 billion package covers the construction of border posts and the installation of fiber optic cables. These additions are designed to modernize trade and communication, transforming the roads from simple transit paths into comprehensive economic corridors.

The locals in the affected regions are expected to see improved emergency services as a direct result of this procurement. By placing these ambulances at strategic intervals along the new highways, KeNHA and its partners hope to provide a rapid response system for both motorists and residents.

This development comes at a time when the Kenya National Highways Authority is under pressure to improve safety standards on newly completed sections of the Northern Corridor. The integration of health services into road contracts marks a shift toward more holistic infrastructure planning in East Africa.