The Ministry of Health has acknowledged ongoing vaccine shortages affecting parts of the country, with 12 out of 47 counties already running out of crucial immunization supplies.
The situation is being attributed to global supply chain disruptions that continue to affect vaccine availability worldwide.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Ministry said it remains committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Kenyans, while confirming low stock levels for essential childhood vaccines.
According to the statement, the country currently has only two weeks’ worth of stock for the BCG (tuberculosis) and Polio vaccines, while the Rota Virus vaccine supply is expected to last one more month.
The Ministry, in collaboration with County Governments, is urgently redistributing available stocks to ensure equitable access across the country.
“We appreciate the ongoing cooperation of County Governments and healthcare facilities in managing this situation,” said Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Medical Services.
To mitigate the impact, the Ministry outlined a series of interventions aimed at restocking and improving vaccine availability. Among the key measures:
Polio Vaccine: 3.2 million doses are currently being cleared at the Port, with nationwide distribution expected by June 10, 2025.
BCG Vaccine: 3 million doses are expected by June 15, 2025.
Strategic Reserve: A nationwide Strategic Vaccine Reserve is being established in all 47 counties to ensure sustained access in future.
Dr. Oluga further reassured the public that no child would miss out on vaccination, thanks to contingency plans already in place.
“The Ministry reassures all Kenyans that no child will miss a single dose of any vaccine, thanks to the Zero-Dose Catch-Up Mechanism established and operational under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),” he stated.
