NAIROBI — Kenya has received more than six million doses of essential childhood vaccines, a long-awaited delivery that health officials hope will close dangerous gaps in immunisation coverage.
The consignment, flagged off Thursday by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, includes 3 million doses of the BCG vaccine against tuberculosis and 3.2 million doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). The vaccines were procured in collaboration with UNICEF and key immunisation partners following weeks of public concern over stockouts across the country.
Speaking at a handover event in Nairobi, Mr Duale said the vaccines mark a turning point in restoring public confidence in routine immunisation.
“This consignment has been made possible through the swift and commendable action of the National Treasury,” he said. “I urge all county health departments to prioritise delivery especially to the hardest-to-reach communities.”
Health Services Under Strain
The new supply comes at a tense moment. Clinics in parts of Kenya have gone weeks without key vaccines, raising fears of outbreaks of diseases long considered under control. Parents in several counties had reported being turned away from health facilities as stocks ran dry.
Mr Duale urged parents to bring their children back to clinics to catch up on missed doses. “These vaccines are now available,” he said. “This is the time to ensure every child is protected.”
Global Shortages, Local Stakes
Kenya’s vaccine shortage is not an isolated case. Health officials have warned that a growing global supply crunch especially for the Rotavac Frozen vaccine, used to prevent severe diarrhoea in young children could affect access through to 2026.
“No child should miss a vaccine due to supply constraints,” said Mr Duale. “We remain committed to safeguarding the right to immunisation, despite global pressures.”
To manage upcoming shortages, the Ministry of Health is expected to issue fresh guidance to frontline health workers, focusing on prioritisation and dose management.
A Race Against Time
The newly arrived vaccines will be dispatched to the country’s eight regional stores by the end of the week. From there, county health officials are responsible for moving them into local clinics many of which serve large rural populations with limited access to regular services.
UNICEF, which helped coordinate procurement, called the delivery a critical boost for children’s health.
Mr Duale also appealed directly to the public, asking parents to report any further shortages or delays. “Your voice helps us act faster and serve you better,” he said.
The Health Ministry has promised ongoing monitoring to ensure the vaccines reach every corner of the country. Whether they get there in time, particularly in remote and underserved areas, remains the real test.
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