Health Ministry rolls out new oxygen equipment to hospitals
The Ministry also highlighted the importance of maintaining and sustaining the equipment to guarantee long-term functionality.
Hospitals across Kenya are set to receive a boost in critical care capacity following the delivery of new oxygen equipment to facilities in all 47 counties.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Global Fund COVID-19 Response Mechanism’s Oxygen Infrastructure Project, flagged off the consignment aimed at improving patient outcomes and expanding access to essential oxygen therapy.
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The Ministry’s statement on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, outlined that the shipment includes 470 multiparameter patient monitors, 10,000 wall outlet flowmeters, and 612 oxygen analysers, to complement the 20,620 oxygen cylinders already in circulation.
The supplies will be distributed to hospitals nationwide to strengthen their ability to manage critical cases effectively.
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, said the initiative marks a pivotal development in advancing the country’s healthcare system and bringing Kenya closer to Universal Health Coverage.
“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.
Duale noted that the new equipment is crucial for delivering accurate oxygen doses tailored to each patient’s medical needs.
“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 explained.
The Ministry also highlighted the importance of maintaining and sustaining the equipment to guarantee long-term functionality.
“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,” Duale noted.
He urged county governments and health facilities to allocate resources for regular maintenance, calibration, and spare parts, emphasising that preventive care is key to keeping the equipment operational.
The CS acknowledged the support of the Global Fund in financing the project and Amref Health Africa for assisting with procurement, emphasising that such partnerships are vital for tangible improvements in healthcare delivery.
“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 added.
The flag-off event was attended by senior officials, including Principal Secretaries Ouma Oluga and Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, and representatives from Amref Health Africa.
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