By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 21 June 2026 - President William Ruto has announced a raft of measures aimed at strengthening emergency medical services in the country, including the establishment of a National Ambulance Dispatch Centre and increased support for St John Ambulance Kenya.
Speaking during the 95th St John Ambulance Annual Parade and Inspection at State House, Nairobi, the President praised the organisation's 62,000 volunteers for their critical role as first responders during accidents, disasters and other emergencies.
He said the volunteers often arrive at emergency scenes before other responders, providing lifesaving assistance and helping to ease the suffering of victims.
“St John Ambulance volunteers play an indispensable role in our communities. Beyond emergency response, they mentor young people, instilling discipline and civic responsibility while supporting vulnerable members of society,” said President Ruto.
To improve emergency response across the country, the President announced plans to establish a National Ambulance Dispatch Centre in Nairobi that will coordinate ambulance operations and ensure faster response times.
He said the service will be provided free of charge to all Kenyans.
The Head of State also revealed that the Government has increased funding for the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund under the Social Health Authority (SHA), enabling Kenyans to access emergency evacuation and treatment services at no cost during the first 24 hours of an emergency.
“Under the enhanced funding arrangement, the Government will pay for emergency evacuation and treatment for all Kenyans within the first 24 hours,” he said.
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In a major boost for St John Ambulance Kenya, President Ruto announced that the Government has allocated land in Nairobi to the organisation to support its expansion plans.
He further disclosed that the Government has engaged Parliament to acquire the St John Ambulance office located next to Parliament Buildings at a cost of KSh 300 million, paving the way for the construction of a modern headquarters.
The Government will also provide an additional KSh200 million towards the construction of the new offices.
To strengthen the organisation’s emergency response capacity, the President announced that the Government will purchase 15 new ambulances for St John Ambulance and register them under the Social Health Authority framework.
The announcements are expected to significantly enhance emergency healthcare services and improve response times across the country while bolstering the capacity of one of Kenya’s oldest humanitarian and first-aid organisations.