4,000 St John Ambulance volunteers to be feted Monday by President Ruto

President William Ruto will host over 4,000 St John Ambulance volunteers at State House, Nairobi on Monday for a special thanksgiving prayer and symbolic inspection parade.

The volunteers drawn from primary schools, secondary schools, universities and community-first responders under the St John volunteer programs will be recognized for their contribution to various lifesaving missions in their areas of operation.

According to a statement sent to newsrooms by St John Ambulance, some of the volunteers to be recognized are as young as 10 years to long-serving members from Turkana, Samburu, Meru and Nairobi City’s informal settlement.

“These volunteers have great stories to tell about how they have saved the lives of their kin and members of the public in various near-death incidents that occurred in their presence,” said the volunteer organization.

The ceremony, dubbed St John Annual Inspection Parade is held annually to commemorate St John's Day bringing together approximately 34,000 uniformed members of St John from across the country, along with senior volunteers, for a special prayer service and inspection parade.

It serves as a platform to highlight our life-saving achievements, recognise exemplary service, and celebrate our mission of saving lives and serving humanity.

This will be the 93rd ceremony to be held since St John Ambulance was established in Kenya back in the year 1923.

Traditionally, the event is graced by the sitting President in Kenya at the time, who is automatically on assumption into office becomes the Chief Patron of St John Kenya.

The president is expected to announce the integration of these community-first responders into the government’s community health volunteer programs to help boost the Country’s community healthcare needs from the household level.

Several professional individuals and corporate organizations will also be recognized for their contribution towards various charitable activities in the country.