Kenya Red Cross officials during a meeting with President William Ruto at State House on July 22, 2026/PCS
President William Ruto on Wednesday met officials of the Kenya Red Cross Society at State House, Nairobi, as the government steps up preparations for the rollout of the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre, a flagship initiative aimed at improving emergency medical response and expanding access to quality healthcare.
The delegation was led by Kenya Red Cross Secretary-General Ahmed Idris.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the government and the humanitarian organisation, which is expected to play a central role in the implementation of the dispatch centre under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.
Ruto said the Kenya Red Cross has remained a trusted partner in humanitarian response and disaster management, thanks to its extensive volunteer network and experience in responding to emergencies across the country.
"The Red Cross plays a pivotal role in providing humanitarian assistance and other social inclusion services. With a large national network of more than 200,000 volunteers, it has been the saving grace at times of emergency," the President said.
Kenya Red Cross Governor Geoffrey Kipngetich with other officials during the meeting with President Ruto at State House on July 22, 2026/PCS
He noted that the organisation's expertise would be instrumental in ensuring the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre delivers timely emergency response and improves access to life-saving healthcare services for all Kenyans.
"In the efforts to continue improving the provision of quality universal healthcare, the Red Cross will be a key partner as we roll out the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre that will ensure timely emergency response and access to healthcare for all," Ruto said.
The National Ambulance Dispatch Centre is expected to coordinate emergency medical services across the country through a centralised system that links ambulance providers, health facilities and emergency responders, reducing response times during medical emergencies and disasters.
The President also welcomed the Kenya Red Cross' proposal to establish a long-term endowment fund to provide sustainable financing for humanitarian operations.
He said the initiative would strengthen the organisation's capacity to respond swiftly to emergencies while reducing dependence on donor funding.
Ruto acknowledged the crucial role the society continues to play in assisting citizens affected by floods, drought, disease outbreaks and other disasters.
He noted that a financially stable humanitarian organisation would complement government efforts in protecting vulnerable communities during emergencies.
"Noted Kenya Red Cross' determination to establish a long-term endowment fund to secure sustainable financing for the crucial role of responding to citizens in distress nationally," he said.
President William Ruto with the Kenya Red Cross officials during the meeting at State House on July 22, 2026/PCS
The meeting comes as the government accelerates reforms in the health sector under the SHA and UHC programmes, with emergency medical services identified as a key pillar in improving access to healthcare.
The partnership with the Kenya Red Cross is expected to enhance coordination in emergency response, disaster preparedness and humanitarian interventions while supporting the government's broader goal of building a more resilient and efficient healthcare system
