The Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation collaborates closely with the government and local emergency healthcare providers throughout Kenya to strengthen the country’s emergency healthcare system through capacity building, knowledge development, advocacy and research.
The Differentiator
EMKF prioritizes swift emergency response and actively works to
minimize delays in receiving care that are often associated with traveling to major
hospitals. They ensure first responders can reach the scene before an ambulance,
thereby significantly enhancing the overall effectiveness of emergency interventions.
Why Their Work Matters
Historically, emergency medical care in Kenya has been
neglected due to misconceptions of it being 'too expensive' and the disproportionate
prioritization of maternal health and infectious diseases. With Kenya’s rapid growth, there
is an increasing demand for emergency medical care services. EMKF was established to
address this gap, with the primary goal of integrating emergency medical care into the
existing healthcare system.
- EMKF works across all 47 counties in Kenya
- Over 2.6K emergancy healthcare providers have been trained through EMKF
- 248 pieces of life-saving equipment have been donated, with 42 of them being contributed in 2023.
EMKF collaborates with the National Government by contributing to the development of emergency medical care policies, guidelines, and legislation, including: - Kenya Emergency Medical Care Policy 2020-2030 - Kenya Emergency Medical Care Strategy 2020-2025 - Kenya National Framework For The Organization Of Trauma Services - Providing guidance to Parliament on Emergency Medical Care Treatment laws EMKF also engages with County Governments, assisting in the creation of County Emergency Medical Care Plans. These plans serve as policies, supporting County Governments in enhancing their emergency departments and ambulance services.
Dr. Benjamin W. Wachira
Dr. Benjamin W. Wachira is a distinguished Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and the Executive Director of the Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation, an NGO dedicated to strengthening Kenya’s emergency healthcare systems. His significant contributions include serving on the National Emergency Medical Care Steering Committee in the Ministry of Health. Previously, he held the position of President of the African Federation for Emergency Medicine, a prominent international association focused on advancing emergency care development across Africa.
Dr. Wachira’s commitment to enhancing emergency healthcare in Kenya is evident through his leadership in impactful projects that fortify the nation’s emergency care infrastructure. Beyond administrative roles, he actively leads emergency care research in Kenya, contributing to widely published work. His multifaceted involvement nationally and internationally underscores his profound impact on the development and advancement of emergency healthcare, establishing him as a respected figure in the medical community.
Emily Nyagaki
Since joining EMKF in 2015, Emily brings over 20 years of diverse experience across private and not-for-profit sectors. Recognized for her exceptional skills in cultivating sustainable relationships, she has successfully engaged with project partners and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, National and County Governments staff, local and international NGOs, and partners. Emily’s expertise lies in steering capacity, building consensus, and developing public-private partnerships, earning her a stellar reputation as a judicious stakeholder relationship builder. Her passions include Advocacy, Government Liaison, Health and Behavior Change Communication, and Program Management. Emily excels in innovating and conceptualizing evidence-based solutions, thriving in dynamic environments. She holds a Bachelor of Mass Communication, a Masters in Digital Business, and several Professional Diplomas in Project Planning & Management, M&E, Human Resource Management, Digital Marketing, and Policy Advocacy for Health.
EMKF
