Factors Affecting Emergency Response Time in Kisumu County, Kenya

OSF: Published: 2026-01-05 08:40 PM, doi.org Factors Affecting Emergency Response Time in Kisumu County, Kenya. Authors *Lekakeny Naiyomah Affiliations * Department of Nursing, Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi, Kenya. Abstract Background: Emergency response time is a key indicator of healthcare system performance and a critical determinant of patient outcomes, particularly in acute and trauma care. In resource-limited settings such as Kisumu County, Kenya, challenges related to staffing, resource availability, and healthcare financing reforms may hinder timely emergency care. Yet, evidence on their combined effects remains limited. Objective: To assess the factors affecting emergency response time in healthcare facilities in Kisumu County, Kenya. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 participants, including patients, relatives, and healthcare workers, selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Emergency response time was categorized as timely (<30 minutes) or delayed (≥30 minutes). Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 29, and binary logistic regression was used to estimate associations between predictor variables and response time. Results: Adequate staffing was a strong predictor of timely response (OR = 7.17, 95% CI: 4.29–11.98, p < 0.001). Facilities with laboratory technicians (OR = 2.54, p < 0.001) and radiographers (OR = 1.99, p = 0.001) were more likely to respond promptly. Health system capacity also played a critical role: lack of equipment (OR = 0.21, p < 0.0001), unavailable transport (OR = 0.31, p < 0.001), and administrative delays (OR = 2.58, p < 0.001) were linked to delayed response. The transition from NHIF to SHIF showed mixed effects; delayed reimbursements (OR = 0.26, p < 0.001), reduced funding for supplies (OR = 0.29, p < 0.001), and low patient awareness (OR = 2.28, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of prolonged response times. Conclusion: Emergency response time in Kisumu County is strongly associated with staffing adequacy, resource availability, and healthcare financing dynamics. Targeted investments in workforce capacity, system readiness, and effective implementation of financing reforms are essential to improve timely emergency care in resource-limited settings. Copyright: © 2026 Naiyomah, L. et al. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.