President William Ruto announced a Ksh500 million funding package to help St. John Ambulance Kenya construct a modern national headquarters. The revelation came during the 95th annual St. John Ambulance Parade and Inspection at State House on June 21, marking a fresh chapter for the organization.
Parliament will provide Ksh300 million toward the build, following an agreement brokered between St. John Ambulance Kenya and the Speaker of Parliament. President Ruto explained: “I have also engaged the Speaker of Parliament, and between St. John’s Ambulance Kenya and Parliament, you have agreed that you will surrender the small building you have near Parliament, and Parliament is going to give Ksh300 million shillings for you to be able to build your new headquarters.”
Under the deal, the organization will give up its current small headquarters near Parliament to clear the way for the new facility. President Ruto added an extra Ksh200 million from the government, bringing the total to Ksh500 million. The new headquarters will sit on a one‑acre plot in Upper Hill, a parcel already allocated to the organization.
“The Government of Kenya will equally support St. John’s Ambulance Kenya, so that the building in Upper Hill…we will also add, as the Government of Kenya, an additional Ksh200 million to make sure that you have a modern building,” the president said. He confirmed that the title deed for the Upper Hill land is ready for collection from the Ministry of Lands the following day.
In addition, the organization will receive 15 new ambulances to expand its emergency response fleet. President Ruto instructed the National Treasury and related agencies to expedite construction approvals.
St. John Ambulance Kenya, part of a global network active in more than 40 countries, remains one of the world’s most established voluntary emergency response groups. Ruto recognized the organization’s vital role on medical frontlines and highlighted Kenya’s commitment to a major overhaul of emergency medical response. Once operational, the new center aims to coordinate about 100,000 emergency evacuations each year, enhancing the nation’s capacity to handle medical emergencies.