President Ruto unveils Ksh.600M package for St. John Ambulance, hands over Upper Hill land

Speaking during the 95th St John Ambulance Annual Parade and Inspection at State House, Nairobi, the president said the title deed for the Upper Hill land was ready for collection from the Ministry of Lands.

"We will give you land at Upper Hill. I made that commitment, and tomorrow you can collect your title from the Ministry of Lands. It's ready," President Ruto said.

Under the arrangement, St. John Ambulance will surrender its current premises near Parliament, with the government setting aside Ksh.300 million for construction of a new headquarters. An additional Ksh.200 million will go toward putting up a modern facility on the Upper Hill site.

"Treasury is instructed accordingly, and all the other relevant authorities, so that the relevant drawings are made," the President said.

He directed the Ministry of Health to procure 15 modern ambulances for the organisation and register them with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ensure coverage.

He added that Parliament should review the legislation establishing St John Ambulance to pave the way for a sustained annual government allocation of Ksh.100 million starting next financial year.

In a separate policy announcement, the President said SHA will now cover the first 24 hours of hospital care for all accident victims, whether or not they are registered members of the scheme.

"Every accident, when a victim arrives in hospital, the first 24 hours is paid by SHA for everybody. Those who are registered and those who are not registered," he said.

President Ruto also announced that Kenya will launch its first national ambulance dispatch centre at the end of July, integrated into the country's digital health infrastructure and powered by the Digital Health Agency.

On a separate matter, the President confirmed he will sign the Finance Bill on Tuesday, bringing into effect the government's revenue measures for the coming financial year.

The President also addressed the nation on parental responsibility, following recent incidents in which children lost their lives in spaces meant to protect them.

"Fatherhood is a sacred responsibility centred on spiritual leadership, provision and guidance," he said. "When we see our children doing whatever they are doing, we must hold ourselves as fathers responsible."

He said the country had "regrettably lost lives where children should have been safest" in recent weeks, adding that "every choice carries consequences."