The Kenyan government is preparing to launch a Free Ambulance Services App by October 2025, allowing citizens to request emergency transport to hospitals at no cost. The app will work similarly to ride-hailing platforms, enabling users to locate and summon the nearest available ambulance via smartphone.
According to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, the service will be funded through the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund and aims to improve the country’s emergency healthcare response.
How the Free Ambulance Services App Will Work
Duale explained that the new platform will function much like existing online taxi apps, allowing users to:
- See nearby ambulances in real time
- Make a direct request through the app
- Get transported to any hospital across Kenya, free of charge
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), enhancing access to life-saving care, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Part of a Digital Healthcare Overhaul
The rollout of the Free Ambulance Services App is just one part of Kenya’s larger plan to modernize public health systems. In June 2025, Duale also announced the distribution of over 74,000 digital devices—including tablets and computers—to public health facilities. These tools will support timely healthcare delivery and integrate data-driven decision-making.
Additionally, the Ministry is implementing new technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning in clinical environments. This effort is designed to improve diagnostics and healthcare outcomes across the board.
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National Medicine Tracking System Coming Soon
Another major component of the digital reform is a track-and-trace system to monitor how drugs move from manufacturers to patients. The goal is to improve transparency, eliminate fraud, and ensure medicine reaches the right facilities.
“We will introduce a national track-and-trace system to monitor the movement of medicines from manufacturer to patient,” said Duale during a public event in Samburu.
A Step Toward Equitable Emergency Healthcare
Once launched, the Free Ambulance Services App will help eliminate key barriers to emergency treatment, reduce response times, and save lives. With support from public funds and integrated technology, Kenya is set to take a critical step forward in equitable, accessible, and reliable emergency healthcare delivery.
