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Bako Emergency Response System is bent on transforming emergency response across Zimbabwe with a comprehensive, integrated platform designed to bridge the critical gap between civilians in distress and the emergency services meant to protect them. At its core, Bako is a unified emergency response network that directly connects users to the nearest relevant responders, whether police, medical services, fire departments, private security firms, or disaster management agencies.
The application brought to life by Munashe Kamuche, a student at TelOne Centre for Learning also founder and CEO of Qelebro Technologies, operates through a three-part ecosystem: a civilian mobile app, responder dashboards, and a central administrative hub. For just $0.10 per month, users can download the app and gain access to a lifeline in their pocket. With a single tap of the SOS button, a voice command, or even a triple-press of the power button, the system springs into action.
By Gamuchirai Mapako
The app instantly shares the user’s precise location with the nearest appropriate emergency service. It also sends alerts via SMS and automated phone calls to ensure no delay due to poor internet connectivity. Simultaneously, it notifies the user’s pre-selected emergency contacts and begins recording audio (and optionally video) to provide responders with real-time context and potential evidence.
Speaking to Technomag, Munashe Kamuchi during the 2025 Zimbabwe Agricultural show, added that the system is to erase the helplessness that comes with not having access to emergency response during a crisis.
For bystanders, the “Good Samaritan” feature encourages community involvement by allowing passersby to report emergencies and earn recognition for their assistance, a thoughtful touch that fosters collective vigilance.
On the other end, emergency responders whether public or private gain access to a dedicated dashboard where they can receive, acknowledge, and manage SOS alerts. They can communicate directly with the victim, share estimated arrival times, request backup, and review media captured during the incident. This seamless flow of information drastically reduces coordination delays and miscommunication that often plague traditional emergency systems.
Public sector stations pay $20 per month for access, while private entities are charged $40, a significantly small price for a tool that could enhance operational efficiency and save lives.
Behind the scenes, the Bako administration team monitors all alerts in real-time, assists with dispatch when necessary, and maintains detailed records for accountability and continuous improvement. This data-driven approach not only improves response effectiveness but also helps shape future emergency preparedness strategies.
In many parts of Zimbabwe, knowing which number to call or even having credit to make a call can be a barrier to receiving help. Emergencies are often reported late or to the wrong agency, costing precious time. Bako eliminates these hurdles by automating the alert process and intelligence routing distress signals to the closest and most relevant responders.
The system is built with empathy in mind. Even if a user’s subscription lapses, life-threatening alerts will still be processed—a clear reflection of Bako’s ethical commitment to public safety over profit.
The platform’s future expansions include fixed panic buttons for homes and offices, portable wearable devices, and emergency watches capable of monitoring vital signs and triggering automatic alerts during medical crises. These innovations will extend Bako’s reach to those without smartphones, including the elderly and children.
This emergency response represents more than just technological innovation, it’s a social imperative. By uniting civilians, responders, and technology on a single platform, it promises faster response times, better inter-agency coordination, and ultimately, more lives saved.
Zimbabwe continues to face challenges ranging from crime and accidents to natural disasters and solutions like Bako offer a tangible path toward a safer, more connected future. With stakeholder support from government, private emergency services, and the community, it is poised to become a cornerstone of national safety infrastructure.
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