Ruto announces free emergency ambulance services, new national dispatch centre
By Emmanuel Rono, June 21, 2026President William Ruto has announced the establishment of a National Ambulance Dispatch Centre and increased support for St John Ambulance.
Speaking during the 95th St John Ambulance Annual Parade and Inspection at State House on Sunday , June 21, 2026, Ruto lauded the organisation’s 62,000 volunteers for their role in responding to accidents, disasters and other emergencies across the country.
“As first responders, St John Ambulance volunteers are often the first people on the scene when accidents and other disasters strike. They play an indispensable role in easing victims’ pain,” Ruto said.
Organisation’s impact to society
Ruto also praised the organisation for its contribution to youth mentorship, noting that it helps instil discipline, civic responsibility and support for vulnerable members of society.
He further announced that the government is setting up a National Ambulance Dispatch Centre in Nairobi to coordinate ambulance operations and reduce response times.
“To strengthen emergency care, we are setting up a National Ambulance Dispatch Centre in Nairobi, which will coordinate activities and ensure faster arrival times. The service will be free for every Kenyan,” he said.
Emergency funding
The President further revealed that the government has increased funding for the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund under the Social Health Authority (SHA), enabling the state to cover emergency evacuation and treatment costs for all Kenyans within the first 24 hours of an emergency.
In support of St John Ambulance’s operations, Ruto said the government has allocated the organisation land in Nairobi and engaged Parliament to acquire the St John Ambulance office located next to Parliament Buildings at a cost of Ksh300 million.
He said this will pave the way for the construction of a modern headquarters for the humanitarian organisation.
Additionally, the government will provide Ksh200 million towards the construction of new St John Ambulance offices and purchase 15 new ambulances that will be registered under the Social Health Authority framework.
“This will enable the organisation to build a modern headquarters. The Government will also provide Ksh200 million for the construction of St John Ambulance offices,” Ruto stated.
“We will further purchase 15 new ambulances for the organisation and register them under SHA.”