Finnfund-backed Hewatele facility to cover majority of Kenya’s oxygen demand
Hewatele has commenced production at a new liquid medical oxygen facility in Nairobi. The plant is expected to cover approximately 60% of Kenya's oxygen demand, reducing reliance on imports.
Hewatele's new liquid medical oxygen production facility at Tatu City, near Nairobi, has begun operations, supported by Finnfund. The plant, which commenced in June 2026, has a capacity to produce 20 tonnes of oxygen daily, estimated to cover around 60 percent of Kenya's national demand.
This domestic production marks a significant step towards greater self-sufficiency and reduced dependency on imported medical oxygen. Kenya has historically relied heavily on external sources, importing between 70–75% of its supply, often routed through ports in the Gulf region. Recent global supply chain disruptions have exposed the vulnerabilities of this model, leading to critical shortages in hospitals.
The expansion of Hewatele has been backed by a consortium of international investors, including Finnfund, Soros Economic Development Fund, UBS Optimus Foundation, Grand Challenges Canada, and AfricInvest. The company supplies liquid oxygen directly to large healthcare facilities into their on-site storage tanks. For smaller hospitals, Hewatele offers mobile cryogenic liquid oxygen tanks and high-pressure cylinders through a leasing model, aiming to ensure access, particularly in rural areas.
Dr. Zulfiqar Wali, CEO of Hewatele, stated that the new facility will significantly enhance the availability of medical oxygen across Kenya and East Africa. The company currently serves over 370 customers, a majority of whom would otherwise have limited or no access to alternative oxygen supplies. With the new plant, Hewatele is positioned to become East Africa's largest producer of medical oxygen.