Local St Johns Ambulance to get even bigger

By VPPS

The St Johns Ambulance is exploring the possibility of up-grading its Kenyan branch to a fully-fledged priory.

This will enable it discharge its mandate more effectively.

According to Prof Anthony Mellows, who is the Lord Prior of the non-governmental organisation worldwide, the body is impressed by the performance of the Kenyan chapter. He said the branch was recording tremendous growth, warranting the up-grade.

Currently, Kenya falls under the South African priory.

Prof Mellows is on a five-day visit to the country and is accompanied by his wife, Elizabeth.

As part of his tour, the Lord Prior visited one of the notorious black spots along the Nairobi-Machakos road.

The Lord Prior made the disclosure today when he held talks with Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka at his Jogoo House office.

Mellows is the third in the hierarchical Order of the St John’s Ambulance, after Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Gloucester respectively.

humanitarian support

Others who attended the talks included the chairman of the Kenyan Chapter of the organisation, Major (Rtd) Marsden Madoka, and the PS in the Office of the Vice-President, Ludeki Chweya.

The Vice-President commended the organisation for its continued humanitarian support to mankind through provision of first aid services, particularly during emergencies.

The VP also challenged St Johns Ambulance to diversify its operations and widen the age bracket of those who can volunteer for their services.

"Many Kenyans associate St Johns Ambulance with only charity work in the medical sector. You need to diversify so that you become a key player in provision of emergency and humanitarian services across all sectors in the society."

Kalonzo added: "Even older people should be able to find the time and the resources to be involved in the efforts of the St Johns ambulance."

On his part, Prof Mellows urged the Government to support the work of the organisation.

He said: "St Johns Ambulance Services will realise its objectives more effectively if they were able to receive Government budgetary support. I, therefore, urge the Government to consider extending support to this important institution."