President William Ruto has renewed the government’s pledge to support St John Ambulance Kenya by granting land in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area and contributing Sh200 million toward the construction of a new headquarters.
During the 95th St John Ambulance Annual Parade and Inspection at State House, Nairobi on Sunday, Ruto said the organisation should collect its title deed from the Ministry of Lands starting Monday, honoring an earlier commitment.
“Today, I reaffirm the government of Kenya’s commitment that we will give you land at Upper Hill. I made that commitment, and tomorrow (Monday), you can collect your title from the Ministry of Lands,” Ruto said.
The President said the government had completed arrangements to allocate St John Ambulance Kenya a one-acre parcel in Upper Hill, creating room for the construction of a modern headquarters.
Ruto also said that, after consultations with Parliament, St John Ambulance Kenya had agreed to hand over its current building near Parliament. In exchange, Parliament will provide Sh300 million to support the new facility.
“I have also engaged the Speaker of Parliament, and between St. John’s Ambulance Kenya and Parliament, we have agreed that you will surrender the small building near Parliament, and Parliament is going to give Sh300 million for you to be able to build your new headquarters,” he said.
The Head of State said the national government would add Sh200 million to Parliament’s contribution, bringing the total support package to Sh500 million.
“The government of Kenya will equally support St. John’s Ambulance Kenya so that the one-acre land in Upper Hill you will use, you will use the money that parliament is going to give you, but as the government of Kenya, we will add Sh200 million to make sure that you have a modern building.”
He said the funding would help the humanitarian organisation establish a modern headquarters that can strengthen its emergency response and community service work across the country.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting institutions involved in emergency medical services and disaster response.
St John Ambulance Kenya continues to play a key role in providing first aid, ambulance services and health-related volunteer programmes nationwide.