President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday urged Kenyans to continue being cautious of Covid-19 saying, despite the relaxation of disease containment measures, the danger of infections spreading still lurks.

Speaking during 92nd inspection parade of the St John Ambulance Kenya at State House, Nairobi, Uhuru urged Kenyans to get vaccinated.

“We must, therefore, continue to be careful as we go about our daily callings; and more importantly, I urge all Kenyans to get vaccinated or receive your booster shots, so that we may put the pandemic behind us, once-and-for-all,” he said.

The President, who is the Chief Patron of the humanitarian institution, challenged it to include more young people in its activities by engaging learning institutions at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

“By placing a value on volunteerism, we shall be nurturing a higher calling and building a strong sense of civic responsibility amongst the leaders of today and tomorrow,” the President said.

In this regard, the Head of State directed the Ministry of Education to develop innovative initiatives that will foster and recognize student volunteers among them preferential consideration when seeking internship opportunities.

“Indeed, the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) framework provides a perfect opportunity for this endeavour. I further call upon our Government institutions to grant preference to interns and attachés who have certified volunteer experience from certified charitable organizations such as St. John,” he said.

Uhuru commended St John Kenya for good work

The President commended St John Kenya for contributing to favourable health indicators under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, noting that the organization’s various pre-hospital care related training courses has ensured that the country has a growing population of first aiders.

“Since St John Ambulance was started in Kenya back in 1923, it has led the way in the provision of ambulance and paramedical services in Kenya. Following your lead, many more ambulance service in the public and private sphere have sprung up,” the President said.

He particularly commended St John Kenya for being at the forefront in tackling emergencies, citing the organization’s leading role in the containment of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Looking back to those days of lockdowns and shut downs, we all recall how St John Ambulance was at the vanguard of our anti-Covid actions.

“St John tirelessly sensitized Kenyans about Covid-19, hosted handwashing campaigns and even helped the Ministry of Health in the administration of Covid-19 vaccines. As a thankful nation, this country appreciates you for your quality service,” the President said.

On prevention of road accidents, President Kenyatta said the country must rethink its approach to the critical minutes after an accident occurs, by making road users part of the solution.

Consequently, the President directed the Ministry of Transport to develop an appropriate sectoral plan as part of its 2023 to 2027 medium plan to offer first aid training and basic post-accident evacuation protocols as a pre-requisite for all licensed drivers.

“I am also glad to note that the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and St John Kenya, has put in place elaborate plans to implement road safety and first aid safety training for boda boda riders across the country.

“We already have launched an initial pilot scheme covering 200 boda boda riders; which, we believe, shall be a key resource at these rescue centres, offering first aid care as first responders,” he said.