CS Aden Duale Unveils Nurses Recognition Scheme as Government Moves to Strengthen Nursing Workforce in Kenya
CS Aden Duale has launched a new Nurses and Midwives Recognition Scheme during International Nurses Week celebrations in Nairobi, reaffirming government plans to strengthen staffing, training and welfare of healthcare workers across Kenya.
By Ruth Sang
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening nursing and midwifery services as he presided over the grand finale of the International Nurses Week celebrations in Nairobi.
The event also saw the launch of key policy and strategic frameworks aimed at improving nursing and midwifery practice across the country, alongside the unveiling of the Nurses and Midwives Recognition and Awards Scheme.
The initiative is designed to honour outstanding service, promote professionalism, and encourage excellence within the nursing workforce.
Held under the theme “Our Nurses, Our Future – Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” the celebrations brought together health sector leaders, practitioners, and development partners to highlight the critical role of nurses and midwives in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system.
Hon. Duale emphasized that nurses and midwives remain central to delivering accessible, quality, and people-centered healthcare services nationwide.
“Our nurses and midwives are at the heart of our health system. Their dedication, compassion and resilience continue to save lives and strengthen communities,” said Duale.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in the nursing workforce through strategic deployment to underserved areas, enhanced professional training and continuous learning, and closer collaboration with county governments to improve staffing, welfare, and career progression.
The event was attended by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director of Global Community Impact for Sub-Saharan Africa at Johnson & Johnson Foundation Anthony Gitau, Nursing Council of Kenya CEO/Registrar Lister Onsongo, and Head of Nursing and Midwifery Services Dr. Judith Awinja, alongside national and county government officials.
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