President William Ruto has announced a raft of measures aimed at transforming emergency medical services in Kenya, including the launch of a free National Ambulance Dispatch Centre, increased funding for emergency healthcare, and enhanced support for St John Ambulance Kenya.
Speaking during the 95th St John Ambulance Annual Parade and Inspection at State House, Nairobi, the President hailed the organization’s thousands of volunteers for their critical role in responding to accidents, disasters, and medical emergencies across the country.
Ruto noted that more than 62,000 St John Ambulance volunteers serve as frontline responders, often arriving at emergency scenes before patients can access professional medical care.
“These volunteers play a vital role in saving lives and easing suffering during some of the most difficult moments for Kenyan families,” the President said.
Free National Ambulance Dispatch Centre
As part of efforts to improve emergency response times, Ruto announced that the government will establish a National Ambulance Dispatch Centre in Nairobi.
The facility will coordinate ambulance services across the country, ensuring faster deployment during emergencies and improving access to lifesaving care.
According to the President, the service will be available to all Kenyans at no cost.
“The service will be free for every Kenyan,” he stated.
The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.
Government to Cover Emergency Treatment Costs
Ruto also revealed that the government has increased allocations to the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The enhanced funding will enable the government to cover emergency evacuation and treatment expenses for all Kenyans during the first 24 hours following a medical emergency.
The move is expected to reduce financial barriers that often delay access to urgent medical care and improve survival outcomes for patients.
Multi-Million Support Package for St John Ambulance
To strengthen emergency response capacity, the President announced a major support package for St John Ambulance Kenya.
The government has allocated land in Nairobi for the organization and is working with Parliament to acquire its current offices near Parliament Buildings at a cost of Sh300 million.
The acquisition will pave the way for the construction of a modern national headquarters.
Additionally, the government will provide Sh200 million towards the development of the new facility.
Ruto further announced plans to purchase 15 new ambulances for St John Ambulance, which will be integrated into the Social Health Authority system to expand emergency response coverage nationwide.
Investing in Youth and Community Service
Beyond healthcare, the President commended St John Ambulance for its contribution to youth mentorship, civic responsibility, and community service.
He noted that the organization continues to nurture discipline, leadership, and volunteerism among young people while supporting vulnerable communities across the country.
The announcements signal a significant government push to modernize emergency medical services, improve access to urgent healthcare, and strengthen Kenya’s preparedness to respond to medical emergencies nationwide.
