The Kenya Defence Force has launched an Emergency Medical Team Core Management Training in Nairobi in collaboration with the WHO and the Ministry of Health, Kenya.
The course, which began on February 24, 2026, aims to strengthen leadership, coordination, and emergency response capacity among senior medical officers and nursing officers.
The course was officially opened by the Director of Medical Services, Brigadier Japheth Ndegwa, marking a renewed focus on strengthening emergency preparedness within military and partner institutions.
Also present was the WHO Country Representative to Kenya, Neema Rusibamayila, who addressed participants and emphasised the importance of cooperation in health emergency response.
In his remarks, Brigadier Ndegwa highlighted the importance of structured medical response systems within defence operations and national crisis management.
He emphasised that Emergency Medical Teams play a central role in maintaining operational readiness while supporting broader disaster response efforts.
He noted that continuous professional development remains essential in preparing medical personnel for complex emergencies, humanitarian crises, and public health threats.
The training programme is designed to enhance leadership capabilities and improve coordination during large-scale deployments.
Rusibamayila reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between military and civilian health institutions.
She observed that joint training initiatives strengthen interoperability and improve response efficiency during emergencies such as disease outbreaks and natural disasters.
According to organisers, the programme brings together senior medical officers and senior nursing officers drawn from various KDF formations, alongside representatives from partner institutions.
The participants are expected to enhance their leadership and management competencies in preparation for emergency medical deployments.
The training aims to strengthen command structures, coordination mechanisms, and operational planning skills.
Key focus areas include emergency command and control systems, casualty management procedures, communication coordination, and inter-agency collaboration.
Scenario-based practical exercises form a central component of the course. These simulations are intended to enhance decision-making under operational conditions and ensure participants can respond effectively during real-world emergencies.
Officials say the EMT Core Management Training will help standardise response mechanisms across participating institutions.
By aligning procedures and improving coordination, the programme seeks to ensure rapid deployment capability during crises.
The collaboration between KDF, WHO, and the Ministry of Health Kenya reflects ongoing efforts to integrate military medical capacity with national health systems.
The initiative is viewed as part of broader preparedness strategies aimed at improving resilience in the face of emergencies.
Participants will undergo structured sessions combining theoretical instruction and practical drills.
Trainers will focus on improving communication flows during emergencies and strengthening leadership roles in high-pressure environments.
The organisers emphasised that effective emergency medical response depends on well-defined roles, clear coordination, and strong partnerships. The joint training model is intended to reinforce these principles across agencies.
The Defence Headquarters in Nairobi serves as the venue for the programme, providing a central location for collaboration between military medical personnel and partner representatives.
Officials indicated that the training will contribute to enhanced readiness for both domestic and regional emergency operations.
The emphasis on leadership and management skills aims to ensure that Emergency Medical Teams can operate efficiently under challenging conditions.
The launch of the EMT Core Management Training highlights continued cooperation between defence and health institutions in strengthening national preparedness frameworks.
The programme reflects a shared commitment to improving emergency response capacity and safeguarding public health.
