By Timothy Nzai | April 10, 2026
KILIFI — A delegation from Kilifi County Teaching and Referral Hospital (KCTRH), led by Medical Superintendent Dr. Gilbert Angore, today toured the Hewatele Oxygen Plant in a move aimed at forging a strategic partnership to strengthen healthcare delivery across the county.
The visit focused on establishing technical support systems that will enhance oxygen supply not only at the referral hospital but also in smaller health facilities across Kilifi County.
The Hewatele plant, set for commissioning in May 2026, is expected to become the largest oxygen production facility in East Africa, marking a major step in Kenya’s transition to local medical manufacturing.
“This partnership is about ensuring reliable, affordable oxygen for our people and strengthening our health systems.”
The proposed collaboration is expected to significantly reduce the cost of medical oxygen, with projections indicating a drop of up to 50 percent, making critical treatment more accessible to patients.
Local production will also cut delivery timelines from several weeks to just 24 hours, ensuring a steady and uninterrupted supply of the life-saving commodity.
Once operational, the facility will produce up to 20 tonnes of liquid oxygen daily—enough to meet more than half of Kenya’s national demand while maintaining high medical-grade purity standards.
Governor Gideon Maitha Mung’aro’s administration has prioritized healthcare modernization, with the oxygen partnership forming a key pillar of ongoing reforms.
Recent developments in the county include the expansion of diagnostic services through CT and MRI installations, refurbishment of hospital wards, and the rollout of grassroots healthcare programs such as Afya Mashinani.
The county has also strengthened its supply chain through the Dawa Mashinani initiative, ensuring efficient distribution of essential medicines to local health facilities.
The Hewatele Oxygen Plant is expected to serve over 300 facilities nationwide, with surplus supply targeting regional markets including Uganda and northern Tanzania.
Construction and final preparations for the plant are nearing completion, with commissioning scheduled for May 2026.
The project is poised to transform healthcare delivery in Kilifi and beyond, ensuring oxygen—one of the most critical medical resources—is accessible, affordable, and reliably available.
The partnership now stands as a cornerstone in Kenya’s broader efforts to build a resilient and self-sufficient healthcare system.
