Kenya is taking bold steps to secure the health of its people through a landmark investment in medical oxygen infrastructure. In a significant milestone, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with Amref Health Africa in Kenya, the Council of Governors, and the Global Fund, has launched a nationwide rollout of oxygen accessories under the C19RM Oxygen Infrastructure Project.
Through this partnership, 14 bulk liquid-oxygen tanks have been installed, over 1.2 million kilograms of medical oxygen delivered, and more than 20,000 oxygen cylinders distributed to health facilities across all 47 counties — ensuring hospitals are better equipped to respond to emergencies and save lives every day.
“Today, we are not just distributing equipment — we are delivering on a constitutional right,” said Hon. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health.
“Every Kenyan deserves the highest attainable standard of health, and access to medical oxygen is central to achieving that. Universal Health Coverage transforms this right from aspiration to action. Oxygen is the bridge between hope and healing — especially for our mothers, newborns, and those in emergencies.”
Hon. Duale noted that upgrading Kenya’s oxygen systems will require approximately $332 million, with $60 million already committed and an additional $36 million provided by the Global Fund in 2023 — tangible proof of Kenya’s resolve to act when lives are at stake.
“Remember Lamu , where patients once travelled far for oxygen — today, that story is changing. We are coordinating, training, and monitoring to ensure no one is left behind. Our mission is clear: move from oxygen availability to guaranteed access for all.”
Dr Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary, State Department for Medical Services, emphasized the importance of empowering frontline workers with both skills and tools.“COVID-19 assessments revealed that many nurses in primary-level facilities lacked essential devices like pulse oximeters. Through this project, we are bridging those gaps by training health workers and maintaining infrastructure so our system remains responsive and reliable.”
PS Mary Muthoni, Chairperson of the Kenya Coordinating Mechanism, underscored the project’s transformative impact.
“COVID-19 taught us a vital lesson: access to oxygen is not optional — it is essential. With this consignment, we are expanding access from major referral hospitals to the last mile. But equipment alone will not save lives. We must ensure safety, sustainability, and accountability at every level.”
Dr George Githuka, Director, Global Fund Project at Amref Health Africa in Kenya, highlighted the initiative’s long-term vision. “Oxygen is a lifeline. Through partnership, we are strengthening the foundation of Kenya’s health system. Every cylinder, every pipeline, and every trained health worker represents a life saved — particularly in our most remote and vulnerable communities. We are investing not just in equipment but in people and systems that deliver lasting impact. This is how we make health systems breathe — for every Kenyan, everywhere.”
This rollout complements Kenya’s Primary Health Care Act 2023 and advances the journey toward Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that no mother, child, or patient in distress is left without the breath of life.
About the C19RM Project
The Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM), implemented in Kenya through Amref Health Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors, is a landmark initiative aimed at mitigating the impact of COVID-19 while strengthening national health systems. The project focuses on expanding oxygen infrastructure, building local technical capacity, and enhancing emergency preparedness across all 47 counties. By embedding oxygen access within Kenya’s broader Primary Health Care framework, it is building lasting resilience to protect lives during and beyond health crises.