TURKANA — The Turkana County Government has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with healthcare provider Ambulex Africa to overhaul emergency medical services, streamline patient referrals, and improve ambulance dispatch across the region.
Signed through the Department of Health, the public-private partnership integrates real-time tracking technology into the county’s emergency response network. The digital platform will map active ambulances, allowing dispatchers to instantly check vehicle availability and route drivers to critical incidents faster.
“Proper referral systems must be put in place to ensure ease in medical records and transfers during medical evacuations,” said Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus during the signing ceremony, emphasizing that the agreement directly targets long-standing transport gaps in the county’s most remote settlements.
Under the contract, Ambulex Africa will deploy medical personnel—including paramedics, nurses, and dedicated emergency drivers—to reinforce local response units. The organization will also deliver Basic and Advanced Life Support training to local healthcare workers to standardize pre-hospital emergency care.
Ambulex Africa Chief Executive Officer Judith Oketch confirmed that Turkana represents the organization’s ninth county partnership in Kenya aimed at extending emergency care directly to households.
The improved response capacity is expected to address critical public health emergencies unique to the region, particularly severe snakebite cases that require immediate medical intervention to prevent disability or death.
“Timely access to emergency care and referral services can play a crucial role in preventing deaths and improving outcomes for patients,” noted Boniface Awuor, Ambulex Partnership and Scaling Lead.
The signing was attended by senior county health officials, including Director of Health Products and Technology Dr. David Moru, Deputy Director for Partnerships Mike Aupe, Emergency Services Coordinator Kephas Achiro, and Medical Services Networking Coordinator Damaris Opilo.
