Ruto Unveils Plan for Free Emergency Ambulance Services Nationwide

Kenya will launch its first National Ambulance Dispatch Centre by the end of July, President William Ruto announced during the 95th St. John Ambulance annual parade and inspection at State House on Sunday, 21 June.

The new dispatch centre, which will be operated through the Digital Health Agency, will form part of the country’s digital health system. It is intended to improve emergency response by coordinating ambulance services in real time and strengthening communication between emergency responders and hospitals.

According to President Ruto, the centre is expected to handle up to 100,000 emergency evacuations each year. Once operational, Kenya will become only the second country in Africa to establish a nationally coordinated ambulance dispatch system.

The President said emergency ambulance services under the new arrangement will be provided free of charge. He added that the Social Health Authority (SHA) will cover the first 24 hours of emergency treatment, including admission, surgery and other critical medical procedures. 

The funding will be provided through the SHA Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, a policy previously outlined by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

Under the planned system, Kenyans will be able to call a central emergency number, after which the nearest available ambulance will be dispatched to their location. 

The model is designed to reduce response times and improve access to urgent medical care. During the event, President Ruto also announced a KSh500 million allocation to support the construction of a new national headquarters for St. John Ambulance Kenya. Parliament will provide KSh300 million, while the government will contribute KSh200 million.

The headquarters will be built on a one-acre site in Upper Hill, Nairobi. The President said the title deed for the land is ready for collection. St. John Ambulance Kenya will also receive 15 new ambulances to strengthen its emergency response capacity.

Ruto commended St. John Ambulance volunteers for their contribution to emergency medical services across the country. He directed the National Treasury and other relevant agencies to expedite approvals required for the construction project.

The establishment of the dispatch centre and the investment in St. John Ambulance infrastructure form part of broader efforts to strengthen emergency healthcare services and support the implementation of universal health coverage. The government expects the reforms to improve access to emergency care, particularly in areas where medical services remain limited.