President Ruto Boosts St John Ambulance with Major Support Package
President William Ruto has rolled out a substantial assistance initiative for St John Ambulance Kenya, aimed at strengthening emergency medical services across the country.
During the 95th Annual Parade and Inspection at State House in Nairobi, he announced the handover of a one-acre prime plot in Upper Hill, along with funding totaling around Ksh 600 million. This includes Ksh 500 million dedicated to construction projects and 15 brand-new ambulances to enhance rapid response capabilities. The organization will also receive an annual budgetary allocation of Ksh 100 million starting next financial year, marking a new chapter in public-private collaboration for health emergencies.
As part of the deal, St John Ambulance will relinquish its current site near Parliament Buildings. The government has allocated Ksh 300 million to build a new headquarters there, while another Ksh 200 million will support the development of modern facilities on the Upper Hill land. The President directed relevant ministries to fast-track the process, ensuring title deeds are issued promptly and construction plans move forward without delay. This strategic relocation promises to give the humanitarian body better infrastructure suited to its growing national role in saving lives during accidents and disasters.
In addition to the direct support, the President instructed the procurement of modern ambulances to be registered under the Social Health Authority for seamless coverage. He also called on Parliament to update relevant laws enabling sustained funding. Complementing these efforts, a new national ambulance dispatch centre is set to launch by the end of July, fully integrated with digital health systems for quicker coordination. Furthermore, SHA will now cover the first 24 hours of hospital treatment for all accident victims, regardless of their registration status, easing financial burdens on families during crises.
This comprehensive package underscores the government's commitment to bolstering emergency response infrastructure in the country. By empowering organizations like St John Ambulance, these measures are expected to improve access to timely medical aid, especially in remote and urban areas alike. As Kenya continues advancing its health sector, such initiatives foster greater resilience and preparedness, ultimately contributing to safer communities and stronger national development.
