President William Ruto has announced a series of measures to strengthen the operations of St John Ambulance Kenya, including the provision of new ambulances, funding support, and land allocation to enhance emergency response services across the country.
Speaking during the 95th St John Ambulance Annual Parade and Inspection at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto praised the organisation’s 62,000 volunteers for their critical role as first responders during accidents, disasters, and emergencies.
The President said St John Ambulance volunteers continue to provide essential humanitarian support by responding to emergencies, mentoring young people, promoting discipline, and supporting vulnerable communities.
To improve emergency medical services, President Ruto announced plans to establish a National Ambulance Dispatch Centre in Nairobi, which will coordinate ambulance operations and help reduce response times. He said the service will be available free of charge to all Kenyans.
He added that the government has increased funding for the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund under the Social Health Authority (SHA), allowing the state to cover emergency evacuation and treatment costs for Kenyans within the first 24 hours.
President Ruto further revealed that the government has allocated land in Nairobi to St John Ambulance and is engaging Parliament to take over the organisation’s office near the Legislature at a cost of KSh300 million.
The move, he said, will enable St John Ambulance to establish a modern headquarters, with the government also committing KSh200 million towards the construction of new offices.
Additionally, the government will purchase 15 new ambulances for St John Ambulance and register them under SHA to strengthen emergency response capacity.
The President said the investments demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and ensuring faster emergency services for all Kenyans.