Nairobi: Kenya, through the Ministry of Health in partnership with AMREF Health Africa and the Global Fund, has initiated a significant expansion of medical oxygen infrastructure to enhance emergency, maternal, surgical, and critical care services nationwide. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale highlighted that this initiative represents a crucial milestone in improving healthcare delivery and fulfilling the constitutional right of every Kenyan to the highest attainable standard of health.
According to Kenya News Agency, the government, in collaboration with its partners, has invested over Sh9 billion (US$60 million) to enhance oxygen production, storage, and distribution across all 47 counties. Additionally, Kenya has secured an extra US$36 million from the Global Fund for medical oxygen and respiratory care.
The Ministry of Health has installed 14 bulk oxygen tanks, delivered over 1.2 million kilograms of liquid oxygen, and distributed more than 20,000 oxygen cylinders to public and faith-based hospitals. Furthermore, 303 health facilities are being equipped with oxygen piping and manifold systems, with new oxygen generation plants being established in counties such as Lamu, Marsabit, Turkana, and West Pokot.
Duale emphasized the transformative impact of these investments, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas. He cited Lamu County’s King Fahad Hospital, which now offers an ICU, theatre, and private wing, allowing patients to access services locally instead of traveling to Malindi or Mombasa for oxygen therapy.
The Health Cabinet Secretary also stressed the importance of sustainability, urging counties to allocate funds for preventive maintenance, calibration, and spare parts, highlighting that equipment is life-saving only when functional. The Ministry is dispatching 420 multi-parameter patient monitors, 10,000 flow meters, and 612 oxygen analyzers to all counties. Each county will receive at least ten monitors and two analyzers, with flow meter allocation depending on facility readiness and completed piping works.
Duale commended AMREF Health Africa and the Global Fund for their ongoing support, describing the partnership as an exemplary government-led collaboration that enhances the country’s healthcare delivery system. Dr. George Githuka from AMREF Health Africa expressed pride in being central to Kenya’s largest-ever oxygen infrastructure expansion, detailing the distribution of over 20,000 medical oxygen cylinders and major piping works in over 300 facilities.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni emphasized the need to train health workers on the safe and efficient use of oxygen and related equipment, ensuring proper use, servicing, and calibration.
The Ministry of Health has developed a plan for preventive maintenance and annual calibration of all oxygen plants and equipment to ensure quality and performance. Duale reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the Universal Health Coverage agenda, stating that oxygen availability is crucial in achieving it. He acknowledged the role of global partners such as WHO, GAVI, and the U.S. Government in accelerating Kenya’s progress in healthcare access.
Duale instructed the Directorate of Health Products and Technologies to coordinate equipment distribution, oversee comprehensive training, and monitor performance and transparency in utilizing the new supplies. The flag-off event brought together senior Ministry of Health officials, representatives from the Council of Governors, development partners, and health sector stakeholders, all reaffirming their commitment to equitable access to life-saving oxygen across the country.
