Laikipia Boda Boda Ambulances Spark Outrage
The recent unveiling of Laikipia boda boda ambulances meant to ferry expectant mothers to hospitals has triggered a storm of criticism from Kenyans, many of whom have termed the initiative primitive, unsafe and an embarrassment to modern healthcare.
The motorcycles, fitted with sidecar carriers, were launched on Wednesday at Nanyuki County Referral Hospital by Albert Taiti, the County Executive Committee Member for Health. County leaders said the project is designed to help pregnant women from remote areas reach medical facilities faster, especially in Laikipia North where roads are rough and conventional ambulances struggle to operate.
County Defends Controversial Project
Speaking during the launch, Governor Joshua Irungu defended the move, saying many residents had lost their lives because they could not access hospitals in time. He argued that the motorcycle ambulances would navigate terrains where four–wheel ambulances cannot reach.
“We have seen cases where pregnant women and the sick lose their lives because they could not reach hospitals on time. These motorcycle ambulances are designed to navigate terrains where conventional ambulances cannot reach,” said Irungu.
According to the governor, the boda bodas have been customised with a sidecar equipped with a stretcher, a first aid kit and space for a health worker to accompany the patient. The county has already identified hotspots in Laikipia North and Laikipia West where the units will be stationed to respond to emergencies.
Officials insist the project is a temporary and practical solution to a long–standing transport crisis, especially for villages located far from tarmac roads.
Kenyans React with Fury
However, the explanation did little to convince the public. Immediately after photos of the carriers circulated online, Kenyans poured onto social media to condemn the idea, saying it reduces pregnant women to second–class citizens.
Critics questioned how a heavily pregnant mother would find comfort in a motorcycle carrier while being driven through rocky and dusty roads, often by riders known for reckless behaviour.
Some Laikipia residents themselves rejected the initiative, demanding proper, well–equipped ambulances instead of what they described as “rickety mobile organs hurriedly cobbled together.”
The design of the units has particularly angered many. Each “ambulance” is essentially a normal motorcycle with a wheelbarrow–style extension where the patient is expected to sit or lie while being transported.
Social Media Uproar
Outspoken Kenyans did not mince their words. On X, Jasper Mogire wrote:
“Kwani, what’s wrong with Laikipia leaders? First, some silly car and now this. Do they hate women this much? An ambulance costs between 5m to 10m depending on customization. With 200m the county can have 20 to 40 ambulances instead of this mkokoteni to serve our women!”
Another user lamented the misplaced priorities of leaders, saying:
“It is 2026. We are taxed to our fingertips. Billions are stolen every day. Bodabodas shouldn’t be used to ferry sick people, much less pregnant mothers. And some Kenyans are cheering. As if the politicians would allow their families to use boda ambulances!”
Medical professionals also joined the criticism. Dr Kipkoech Cheruiyot questioned the decision–making process behind the project.
“Let it be known people planned a meeting in high end hotels, hired chefs, paid themselves huge allowances on top of fat salaries, to discuss and approve such things,” he wrote.
Another commentator wondered why the country was moving backwards despite ambitious development promises:
“This is nothing to celebrate. This is rubbish. Utter rubbish. Is it that we don’t think we deserve better? Four years away from Vision 2030 and we have bodaboda ambulances for pregnant women?”
Support from Eezer Initiative
Despite the backlash, the county received backing from the Eezer Initiative, a Swedish–supported programme that promotes rural healthcare mobility in Africa. The organisation partnered with Laikipia County to pilot the project before possible expansion to other regions.
Dr Alfred Sadera, Eezer’s coordinator for Laikipia, said the programme addresses a real gap in maternal health.
“We believe this project will solve most of the challenges related to access to care. We understand this region struggles with poor roads and long distances to health centres, especially for women in labour,” he said.
The initiative has previously been implemented in Burundi, where between 2021 and 2023, 71 motorcycle ambulances carried out more than 24,000 pregnancy–related transports. Supporters argue that similar success could be achieved in Kenya if the project is well managed.
Maternal Health Crisis in Remote Areas
Laikipia’s vast landscape and scattered settlements have for years complicated access to emergency healthcare. Women in labour often rely on neighbours or private boda boda riders to reach the nearest clinic, sometimes travelling for hours.
Health experts acknowledge that innovative transport solutions are needed, but many insist that safety and dignity must come first. They argue that instead of improvising with motorcycles, counties should invest in properly equipped ambulances, maternity waiting homes and better road infrastructure.
Questions on Priorities
The controversy has reopened debate on how county governments spend public funds. Critics say devolved units receive billions every year and should prioritise modern health equipment rather than cheap alternatives.
Human rights activists also warned that the initiative could expose mothers to more danger through accidents, dust inhalation and lack of emergency medical equipment.
For now, Laikipia County maintains that the boda boda ambulances will operate alongside conventional vehicles and are not meant to replace them. Whether the public will accept the explanation remains uncertain.
Way Forward
As the debate rages, pressure is mounting on county leaders to review the project and engage residents more meaningfully. Many Kenyans have called for an independent safety assessment before any pregnant woman is transported using the carriers.
The uproar surrounding the Laikipia boda boda ambulances highlights the wider challenge facing Kenya’s health system—how to deliver quality care to rural citizens without compromising dignity and safety.