Kenya has taken another major step toward improving healthcare delivery with the rollout of new oxygen equipment to hospitals across all 47 counties, a move aimed at strengthening access to life-saving medical oxygen.

The Ministry of Health, through the Global Fund COVID-19 Response Mechanism, Oxygen Infrastructure Project, flagged off a new consignment of medical equipment that will boost oxygen availability and improve critical care capacity in hospitals nationwide.

According to the Ministry of Health’s statement on X posted on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the shipment, fully funded by the Global Fund, includes 470 multiparameter patient monitors, 10,000 wall outlet flowmeters. “the consignment includes 470 multiparameter patient monitors, 10,000 wall outlet flowmeters, and 612 oxygen analysers, which will be distributed to health facilities across all 47 counties. The new supplies complement the 20,620 oxygen cylinders previously distributed nationwide,” the statement reads

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the delivery marks a major stride in strengthening Kenya’s health systems and pushing the country closer to achieving 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,” said the CS.

Duale explained that the new accessories are essential for ensuring patients receive the correct amount of oxygen needed for their condition.

“This equipment will enhance early oxygen therapy for newborns and support patients experiencing respiratory distress or living with asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses,” he said.

The Ministry also stressed the importance of sustainability and proper maintenance of the equipment to ensure long-term service delivery.

“We will calibrate all equipment every six months, continue building capacity for health workers, and ensure that our biomedical engineers, pharmacists, and clinicians have the skills needed to manage and maintain this critical equipment,” said Duale.

He further urged county governments and health facilities to set aside funds for routine maintenance, calibration, and spare parts, noting that such preventive measures are key to keeping the equipment functional and reliable.

The Health CS commended the Global Fund for financing the project and Amref Health Africa for its procurement support, saying that partnerships built on government leadership continue to drive real results in healthcare.

“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,” he added.

Duale was accompanied by senior health officials, including Principal Secretaries Ouma Oluga and Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, and representatives from Amref Health Africa during the flag-off event.