Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Amref Health Africa have stepped up efforts to transform Kenya’s healthcare system through a partnership targeting medical oxygen access, maternal and newborn health, research and primary healthcare services.

In a statement shared on his X account on Monday, July 27, 2026, Duale said he held a bilateral meeting with an Amref Health Africa delegation led by Group CEO Githinji Gitahi to review the progress of their partnership.

“Held a bilateral meeting with a delegation from Amref Health Africa led by Group CEO Dr. Githinji Gitahi to strengthen our partnership in advancing Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda,” Duale said.

22 oxygen plants to strengthen emergency care

Duale said the discussions reviewed collaboration in building resilient and equitable health systems, including Amref’s support for the installation of 22 medical oxygen generation plants across 12 underserved counties.

The facilities are expected to strengthen emergency and critical care services in counties with limited access to medical oxygen.

“We reviewed the progress of our collaboration in building resilient and equitable health systems, including Amref’s support for the installation of 22 medical oxygen generation plants across 12 underserved counties, strengthening emergency and critical care services,” he said.

Focus on maternal and newborn deaths

The talks also focused on the implementation of the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) initiative, which seeks to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

Duale said the partnership would also promote the use of research to inform evidence-based policy and improve the quality of care.

“Our discussions also focused on the implementation of the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) initiative to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths, the use of research to inform evidence-based policy and improve quality of care, and the critical role of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in expanding access to primary healthcare,” he said.

The initiative comes amid government efforts to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare through improved funding, staffing, emergency response and access to services.

In June, Duale said the EWENE Acceleration Plan 2026–2028 would provide a roadmap for reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths, supported by increased investment in primary healthcare and emergency services.

Amref university to support health workforce

Duale also acknowledged the role of Amref International University in strengthening Kenya’s health workforce through training, research and capacity building.

“We further acknowledged the contribution of Amref International University in strengthening our health workforce through training, research and capacity building,” he said.

The CS said the government and Amref had reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the partnership.

“We reaffirmed our shared commitment to deepening this partnership to build a resilient, people-centred health system and accelerate our journey towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” Duale said.