President William Ruto has reaffirmed the government's commitment to support St John Ambulance Kenya by allocating it land in Nairobi's Upper Hill area and contributing Sh200 million towards the construction of a new headquarters.
Speaking during the 95th St John Ambulance Annual Parade and Inspection at State House, Nairobi on Sunday, Ruto announced that the organisation can collect its title deed from the Ministry of Lands starting Monday, fulfilling a pledge he had previously made.
"Today, I reaffirm the government of Kenya's commitment that we will give you land at Upper Hill. I made that commitment, and tomorrow (Monday), you can collect your title from the Ministry of Lands," Ruto said.
The President said the government had finalised arrangements to provide St John Ambulance Kenya with a one-acre parcel of land in Upper Hill, paving the way for the development of a modern headquarters.
Ruto also revealed that following consultations with Parliament, St John Ambulance Kenya had agreed to surrender its current building located near Parliament. In return, Parliament will provide Sh300 million to support the construction of the new facility.
"I have also engaged the Speaker of Parliament, and between St. John's Ambulance Kenya and Parliament, we have agreed that you will surrender the small building near Parliament, and Parliament is going to give Sh300 million for you to be able to build your new headquarters," he said.
The Head of State said the national government would supplement Parliament's contribution with an additional Sh200 million, bringing the total package to Sh500 million.
"The government of Kenya will equally support St. John's Ambulance Kenya so that the one-acre land in Upper Hill you will use, you will use the money that parliament is going to give you, but as the government of Kenya, we will add Sh200 million to make sure that you have a modern building."
He noted that the funds will enable the humanitarian organisation to put up a modern headquarters that will strengthen its emergency response and community service operations across the country.
The government has reiterated its commitment to supporting institutions involved in emergency medical services and disaster response.
St John Ambulance Kenya continues to play a critical role in providing first aid, ambulance services and health-related volunteer programmes nationwide.
