How to Join

You become part of St John by joining one of our many units, called Divisions. Within Nairobi region, there are close to 100 (most of them in schools and institutions). For other Regions, you can contact them directly using the contact details provided on our 'Where We Work' page.

Here are some frequently asked questions on the joining process:

What are Divisions and how do I know which is for me?
One joins St John by joining one of our units, called divisions. Each division has about 40 members. There are three categories of members (by age), and each category has its own set of divisions that you can join.

  • Badgers are aged between 6-11 years old. Many primary schools have Badger units, also called Badger Setts.Check with your school.
  • Cadets are 12-18 years old. Many secondary schools have St. John Cadet Divisions. However, if there isn't one in your school, don't despair! There are two Cadet units that meet at St John HQs every week, one on Tuesday evening (5-6pm), and one on Saturday afternoon (2-4pm). Anyone can join these divisions, as long as they're within that age group.
  • Adult members are 18-65 years old. There are seven adult divisions that meet at St. John HQs every week, one on each day of the week except Sunday. It's important to note that St. John units are also found in a few campuses, namely Strathmore University, University of Nairobi Main Campus and Kenyatta University Main Campus.

So, How Do I Choose Which Division To Join?

Badgers (6-11yrs) can only join if there is a St John Badger Sett in their school. In case of enquiries on starting a Badger unit in your school, call us.

Cadets (12-18 yrs) have two options - either join a St John Division in your school, if there is one, or if not, join one of the two Cadet divisions that meet at St John HQs. You can choose to attend your cadet meetings either Tuesday evening or Saturday afternoon. They'll be able to direct you from there.

For adult members, the easiest way is to first decide which days work for you with regard to the weekly meetings-the units that meet during the week have their meetings from 5-7 pm while the Saturday unit meets at 2pm. After that, just attend one meeting each for all the units meeting on the days you've picked, and decide on the one that best suits you. The officials in those units will help you with the choice!

What happens when I've joined a division?
First, they'll probably ask you what your name is! Before you're even called a St John member, your unit will take you through an Induction (or orientation) course, followed by your initial First Aid course. After all, St John is first about First Aid! After you get your First Aid certificate, then you're a bona fide member and you can now participate in St John activities...

Your unit will also furnish you with a programme for the year, and let you know what's required of you to keep your membership efficient.

Do I Need To Pay Anything?
The St John unit is self-sustaining financially. That means that you'll probably pay a membership fee (mostly around Sh.200) and a small monthly subscription of about Sh.50. Other activities are planned for according to the needs of the unit.

What if I don't want to be a uniformed member, but I have some time to give for a short period?
St John Kenya is in the process of developing a programme that will allow adult volunteers to offer some specific service as voluntary support for a selcet period of time. This will be specifically aimed towards those who for some reason or another, are not able to give the level of commitment or availability required of members. At the moment, this mainly has to do with capacity-building support for the volunteers. Call us today for more information.

Any queries can be directed to the Regional Office (check 'Where We Work'), or simply e-mail info@stjohnkenya.org.