Kenya has received a fresh shipment of oxygen equipment under the Global Fund COVID-19 Response Mechanism – Oxygen Infrastructure Project, a move that strengthens the country’s ability to provide lifesaving oxygen across all counties.
The shipment, fully funded by the Global Fund, includes 470 multiparameter patient monitors, 10,000 wall outlet flowmeters, and 612 oxygen analysers.
These will be delivered to health facilities in all 47 counties, adding to the 20,620 oxygen cylinders already distributed nationwide. The new supplies mark a major step in expanding access to oxygen therapy, which is critical for patient care.
During the flag-off ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale said the project demonstrates Kenya’s dedication to building a strong oxygen system while advancing the country’s path toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“This milestone represents significant progress in strengthening our health systems and ensuring that every Kenyan from newborns to patients in critical care has access to safe and reliable oxygen therapy,” he said.
CS Duale highlighted that oxygen is not only a life-saving resource but also a constitutional right under UHC.
“We are still strengthening a life-saving element of care in our hospitals, and we are providing reliable medical oxygen. And we are not doing it for the sake of it, it is a constitutional impact that Kenyans must get the highest attainable standard of health,” he said.
The CS noted that oxygen plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between policy and actual healthcare delivery, supporting emergency care, maternal and newborn care, surgery, intensive care, and response during disease outbreaks.
“Oxygen bridges promise and practice, it is vital in our emergency care, maternal care, surgery, intensive care, and also during outbreaks. COVID-19 tested our systems and prompted both the national and county governments, alongside partners, to invest in oxygen production and storage,” Duale added.
He also stated that the Ministry will ensure all equipment is calibrated every six months and continue training health workers, biomedical engineers, and clinicians on proper use and maintenance.
The Health CS praised the Global Fund for financing the initiative and Amref Health Africa for procurement support, noting that strong partnerships under government leadership are key to delivering real results for UHC.
“We are united in purpose to move from oxygen availability to assured access in every ward, theatre, nursery, and ICU, all the way to the last mile,” Duale said.
The new shipment is a significant milestone in Kenya’s health sector reforms, reflecting ongoing government efforts to guarantee fair access to essential medical resources nationwide.
