The government has launched the C19RM Oxygen Infrastructure Project to expand oxygen access and improve emergency care in hospitals across all 47 counties.
The initiative is a collaboration between Amref Health Africa in Kenya, the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors, and The Global Fund.
The flag-off ceremony marked a milestone in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to build a resilient, accessible, and equitable health system capable of meeting the needs of all citizens. The initiative reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare ,including lifesaving oxygen ,reaches every corner of the country.
“Today, we are not just distributing equipment , we are upholding a constitutional right,” said Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, during the launch. “Every Kenyan deserves the highest attainable standard of health, and access to medical oxygen is central to achieving that. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) transforms this right from aspiration to action. Oxygen is not just a resource ,it is the bridge between hope and healing, between policy and practice, especially for our mothers, newborns, and those in emergencies.”
A Lifesaving Investment
Through this partnership, Kenya has made bold and measurable progress in strengthening its oxygen supply , a critical lesson drawn from the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, 14 bulk 3-tonne liquid oxygen tanks have been installed, over 1.2 million kilograms of liquid oxygen delivered, and more than 20,000 oxygen cylinders distributed to health facilities across all 47 counties.
These achievements go far beyond numbers ,they represent lives saved, hospitals better prepared for emergencies, and a stronger, more responsive health system.
The C19RM Oxygen Infrastructure Project is part of a broader national strategy to ensure that Kenya’s health facilities are fully equipped to handle medical emergencies, maternal complications, and respiratory illnesses.
Learning from the Pandemic
The COVID-19 crisis revealed critical gaps in oxygen availability and infrastructure across the country. As a result, Kenya has committed to investing $332 million in upgrading its oxygen systems, with over $60 million already allocated.
In 2023, the country secured an additional $36 million from The Global Fund, demonstrating the strength of strategic partnerships in addressing health system challenges. The consignment launched today is part of that ongoing investment and collaboration.
“In every ward, every operating theatre, every nursery, and every ICU, we must guarantee both the availability and the access to oxygen,” added CS Duale. “By protecting these critical assets and strengthening our partnerships, we will save lives , one patient, one facility, and ultimately, one nation at a time.”
Reaching the Last Mile
For many remote areas, including Lamu County, where patients once traveled long distances to access oxygen, the situation is changing. Through coordinated distribution, staff training, and continuous monitoring, the Ministry of Health and partners are ensuring that no one is left behind.
“Our mission is clear,” noted representatives from Amref Health Africa. “We are moving from simply having oxygen available to guaranteeing access for all Kenyans, wherever they are.”
The launch is not just a celebration of progress, but a reaffirmation of Kenya’s determination to invest in health infrastructure that saves lives and builds a healthier, more resilient nation.
