The Ministry of Health has taken a major step toward improving healthcare delivery for newborns and patients with respiratory conditions after securing new oxygen accessories for hospitals across all 47 counties.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, in a statement shared on his official X account on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, announced the flagging off of oxygen equipment under the Global Fund COVID-19 Response Mechanism Oxygen Infrastructure Project. The initiative aims to strengthen Kenya’s oxygen ecosystem and advance the country’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The new consignment includes 470 multiparameter monitors, 10,000 wall outlet flowmeters, and 612 oxygen analyzers, which will be distributed to county health facilities. This distribution will complement the 20,620 oxygen cylinders previously supplied across the country.
According to CS Duale, the equipment will play a key role in enhancing early therapy for newborns and providing critical support for patients suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“This initiative strengthens our oxygen ecosystem by enhancing early therapy for newborns and supporting patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, and COPD,” Duale stated.
The Health CS further revealed that the Global Fund project has so far installed 14 bulk oxygen tanks and delivered over 1.2 million kilograms of liquid oxygen to various health facilities nationwide.
To ensure the sustainability of the project, Duale urged county governors to allocate adequate resources for maintenance and spare parts. He emphasized the importance of regular calibration, continuous capacity building, and a skilled healthcare workforce.
“County governments and facilities are encouraged to allocate resources for preventive maintenance and spare parts to sustain functionality,” he added.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system and ensuring equitable access to life-saving oxygen for all patients in need.
