The government has unveiled a new national awards programme aimed at recognising outstanding nurses and midwives, in a move seen as part of broader efforts to improve morale and strengthen Kenya’s healthcare system.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Monday launched the Nurse of the Year Awards (NOYA) during the 2026 International Nurses and Midwives Day celebrations held at Carnival Grounds in Nairobi.
The awards, introduced under the theme “Our Nurses, Our Midwives, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” will honour excellence in clinical practice, leadership, education, research, innovation, primary healthcare and entrepreneurship within the profession.
Speaking during the event, Duale described nurses and midwives as the backbone of Kenya’s healthcare system, saying their contribution goes beyond treatment to providing comfort, hope and dignity to patients.
“Nurses and midwives are far more than a cadre within our health workforce. You are the human face of healthcare. You are the constant presence in moments of fear, uncertainty, healing and hope,” he said.
The CS said the new awards scheme is intended not only to celebrate achievement, but also inspire a new generation of healthcare workers amid growing pressure on the sector.
“This scheme is not merely ceremonial. It is a national commitment to recognising excellence, celebrating service and elevating role models within the profession,” Duale added.
The launch comes at a time when nurses across the country continue to face major challenges, including staff shortages, burnout, heavy workloads and limited resources, especially in remote and underserved counties.
Despite the difficulties, the government acknowledged that nurses and midwives have remained at the centre of healthcare delivery, from emergency response and maternal health to immunisation and chronic disease management.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muriuki noted that nurses account for nearly 70 per cent of Kenya’s health workforce, making them the largest and most critical pillar of the healthcare system.
“Nurses are often the first point of contact for patients and the bridge between communities and the formal healthcare system,” she said.
She added that nurses continue to play a major role in advancing universal health coverage across all the 47 counties.
The launch of the awards comes as the government pushes reforms in the health sector under the Universal Health Coverage agenda, with increased focus on staffing, training and retention of healthcare workers.
Duale also said the government would continue investing in professional development, mental health support and better working conditions for nurses and midwives.
Development partners, including the Johnson & Johnson Foundation, were also recognised for supporting leadership training and capacity building within the profession.
The introduction of the awards is now expected to place greater national attention on the contribution of nurses, many of whom have long argued that their role in healthcare has remained underappreciated despite being on the frontline of patient care.
