Duale to Unveil App That Sends You an Ambulance For Free Starting October
In a bold step toward improving access to emergency medical services, the government has announced plans to launch a digital ambulance-hailing platform within the next three months. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed the development during an interview with Citizen TV, stating that the new system will allow citizens to request ambulances in the same way they hail taxis through ride-sharing apps.
The platform, officially named “The Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund”, is set to debut by October. It will provide free-of-charge ambulance rides to any hospital across the country, with the costs fully covered through public funding.
“By October, Kenyans will have an app—just like Uber or Bolt—where they can locate and call an ambulance that will take them to any hospital, and they won’t pay a shilling,” said Duale. “This service will be paid for by the people of Kenya to ensure no one is left behind in moments of crisis.”
According to Duale, the move aligns with the government’s broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), as it aims to make emergency response more efficient and accessible regardless of one’s location or economic status.
He elaborated further, noting that the service would cover all medical emergencies, including strokes and sudden collapses in public areas. “Whether someone collapses in the streets of Nairobi or in rural areas, the ambulance will respond and transport them to the nearest hospital for free,” he added.
This initiative follows another major push by the Health Ministry to digitize the healthcare sector. Last month, Duale announced the nationwide rollout of over 74,000 digital tablets and computers to healthcare workers and facilities. The devices are intended to support the integration of the Social Health Authority (SHA) system and enhance real-time service delivery.
“These devices will be distributed to health facilities across Kenya, ensuring that healthcare workers have access to tools that enable faster, smarter, and more data-driven care,” Duale stated during a public event in Samburu on June 14.
The Ministry is also integrating cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence and machine learning into clinical operations. This is part of a wider strategy to boost decision-making and resource efficiency within health facilities.
Another major upgrade includes the introduction of a track-and-trace system to monitor drug distribution across the supply chain—from pharmaceutical manufacturers to the end-user. The aim is to curb losses, prevent stockouts, and increase transparency in medical supply logistics.
“We’re building a system to trace every medicine in real time, from the factory floor to the patient. It’s about accountability, efficiency, and ensuring no Kenyan goes without critical medication,” said Duale.
With these tech-driven initiatives, the government is steering Kenya’s healthcare system toward a future that blends accessibility, innovation, and transparency—promising better outcomes for all citizens.
Duale to Unveil App That Sends You an Ambulance For Free Starting October
