The Ministry of Health has deployed 36 ambulances to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to provide comprehensive emergency medical support during the arrival of the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
According to Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga, the deployment is part of a coordinated national preparedness plan aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of all attendees during this solemn event. The ambulances have been strategically positioned within and around JKIA to guarantee immediate response in case of medical emergencies.
Dr. Oluga stated that each ambulance is fully equipped with Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) facilities and is manned by a qualified paramedic, nurse, and driver to ensure efficient on-site response and patient evacuation if needed.
The deployment is a joint effort by various emergency service providers. The Kenya Red Cross has contributed 20 ambulances, St. John Ambulance has deployed four, Nairobi Disaster Service three, Nairobi Emergency Services eight, and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) one. Additionally, a Port Health ambulance remains on standby to coordinate supplementary medical support and communication between response teams.
Oluga emphasized that the operation reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining high safety and health standards during national ceremonies of this magnitude. He further revealed that similar emergency response preparations are underway in Kisumu and Siaya counties, where further memorial events and tributes are expected to take place.
The Ministry of Health assured Kenyans that all medical teams remain on high alert, ready to offer assistance promptly. This coordinated effort underscores the government’s proactive approach to public safety and medical readiness as the nation unites to mourn one of its most influential and respected leaders, Raila Amolo Odinga.
