Ruto: Kenya to Launch First National Ambulance Dispatch Centre in July.
Written by Eunice Onyancha on June 22, 2026
President William Ruto has announced the country will establish its first-ever National Ambulance Dispatch Centre, a move aimed at revolutionising emergency medical response across the country.
He said the centre will coordinate emergency services nationwide, ensuring every Kenyan can access timely evacuation and emergency response services free of charge.
Speaking at State House when he hosted volunteers from St John Ambulance Kenya, Ruto said the dispatch centre will leverage technology to facilitate real-time emergency response and significantly improve coordination among ambulance service providers.
Ruto spoke when he presided over the 95th St John Ambulance annual parade and inspection.
According to the President, the centre is expected to coordinate about 100,000 emergency evacuations annually, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen emergency healthcare services.
The dispatch centre forms part of broader reforms under the government’s healthcare agenda and is expected to work closely with emergency responders, hospitals and county governments to enhance efficiency in handling accidents, medical emergencies and disasters.
In a further boost to emergency response services, Ruto directed that legal changes be initiated to provide St John Ambulance Kenya with direct funding from the Exchequer.
Under the proposed arrangement, the humanitarian organisation will receive up to Sh100 million annually from the national government to support its operations and expand its capacity to respond to emergencies.
President Ruto praised the organisation’s volunteers for their dedication to saving lives and providing critical first aid and emergency services across the country.
