Euro States Sha Emergency Cover Extended To First Twenty Four Hours Of Hospital Care
News Updated: 21 June 2026 16:40 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto speaking during the 95th St John Ambulance Annual Parade and Inspection at State House, Nairobi.
President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening emergency medical response systems and expanding access to life-saving services across the country during the 95th St. John Ambulance Annual Parade and Inspection held at State House, Nairobi.
Addressing volunteers, cadets, and officers, the Head of State praised St. John Ambulance Kenya for its century-long service to humanity, noting its central role in emergency response and community health support across the country.
“Distinguished guests, officers, volunteers, and cadets of St. John Ambulance Kenya, I am truly honored to stand among men and women, boys and girls who have embraced a calling that is both demanding and noble, choosing to be defined by what they give rather than what they can gain.”
He highlighted the organisation’s contribution to emergency preparedness and first aid training, saying it has significantly strengthened community-level response capacity.
“This past year alone, you have trained more than 254,000 Kenyans in first aid and emergency preparedness, and through your programs you have extended life-saving support to thousands of road users and mothers in need across different counties.”
The President underscored the importance of early intervention in emergencies, noting that survival often depends on immediate assistance before professional medical teams arrive.
“The first responder is rarely a doctor or paramedic; more often it is a neighbor, a teacher, a parent, or a passerby who chose not to look away in those first critical moments after an emergency occurs.”
He pointed to ongoing reforms aimed at improving coordination in emergency services, including the establishment of a National Ambulance Dispatch Centre in Nairobi.
“In that regard, I am pleased to announce that Kenya will launch its first National Ambulance Dispatch Center, integrated into our digital health infrastructure to ensure faster coordination, real-time deployment, and more efficient emergency response across the country.”
Ruto further noted that emergency evacuation services will be provided free of charge under the new system.
“Most importantly, every Kenyan who requires emergency evacuation through this system will receive it free of charge, because no life should be lost simply because help could not arrive in time.”
He also addressed gaps in emergency healthcare financing that have historically delayed treatment for accident victims.
“As a government, we have seen many cases where accident victims are asked who will pay or where deposits are required before treatment, and we are correcting this through Universal Health Coverage and the Emergency Critical Care Fund.”
The President confirmed that SHA will now cover emergency treatment for the first 24 hours of hospital admission for all patients.
“Henceforth, for every accident victim who arrives at a hospital, the first 24 hours of treatment will be fully covered by the Social Health Authority for both registered and unregistered patients.”
On infrastructure support, he announced government backing for a new St. John Ambulance headquarters in Upper Hill.
“I reaffirm the Government’s commitment to allocate land in Upper Hill, and I have instructed that all necessary approvals be fast-tracked so that construction of your modern headquarters begins without delay.”
He added that Parliament and the government will jointly fund the project to strengthen the organisation’s capacity.
“Between Parliament and the Government, there is agreement to support the construction of your new headquarters, combining resources to ensure you have a modern facility that matches your national role.”
Ruto also announced the procurement of additional ambulances to enhance emergency response capacity.
“I have instructed the Ministry of Health to procure 15 modern ambulances, register them under St. John Ambulance and SHA, and ensure they are fully integrated into our national emergency response system.”
He emphasized the importance of youth discipline and responsibility, warning that many tragedies are linked to preventable human choices.
“Emergencies do not just happen; more often than not, they begin with choices made by individuals, and those choices can determine whether a life is saved or permanently lost.”
The President urged young people to embrace responsibility and character in daily decision-making.
“Character is shaped in the everyday choices you make when you are angry, when no one is watching, and when it is easiest to follow the crowd instead of standing for what is right.”
He concluded by praising cadets and volunteers for their discipline and service to the nation.
“You have chosen discipline over impulse, service over self, and responsibility over indifference, and Kenya needs more young people who run towards problems to solve them rather than away from them.”
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FELIX MAKONA
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