Laikipia county launches boda boda ambulances

Laikipia County has launched boda boda ambulances aimed at helping expectant mothers reach hospitals. [James Munyeki, Standard]

The recent unveiling of boda boda ambulances in Laikipia County has elicited public anger characterised by frustration and concern.

These ambulances, introduced on Wednesday by Albert Taiti, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) responsible for Health at Nanyuki County Referral Hospital, are designed to facilitate the transportation of pregnant women to healthcare facilities, particularly in the more isolated regions of Laikipia North.

This initiative is executed in partnership with Ezer Company.

However, expressions of discontent have surfaced on social media platforms, where residents have questioned the viability of the project given the poor condition of the region's roads.

Fidel Jesus, a human rights advocate, queried the allocation of funds allocated for the purchase of ambulances and questioned the practicality of transporting pregnant women by boda boda.

He voiced concern that the county government might be misallocating resources towards such activities, calling this approach 'pure ignorance' and asserting that the community should not be misled into supporting such ventures.

Similarly, John Njagi, an activist from Nyahururu, commented on the initiative, expressing the view that it is reminiscent of a bygone era when women were transported on bicycles, and emphasizing the need for the county government to provide clarification.

In response, Taiti defended the strategy, asserting that it would substantially assist mothers in accessing hospitals when necessary.

He clarified that it is impractical to procure ambulances for every healthcare facility, which is why the partnership with a motorcycle supply company was established, with motorcycles to be stationed in the remote areas of Laikipia.