Kenya has received a vital consignment of 6.2 million life-saving vaccines, marking a major breakthrough after months of critical shortages that left thousands of children vulnerable to deadly, preventable diseases. The shipment, officially received on June 11 by Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga, includes 3.2 million doses of oral polio vaccine and 3 million doses of BCG, used to protect infants against tuberculosis.
The vaccines come as a huge relief to families and health workers alike, after widespread concern that supply gaps were jeopardizing child survival gains made over the past two decades. According to Dr. Oluga, 12 counties had completely run out of polio and BCG vaccines, while 35 others were left with dangerously low supplies, some with stocks lasting less than 10 days.
“For three months, some mothers were turned away from hospitals because vaccines weren’t available. That’s unacceptable,” said Dr. Oluga. “This delivery is the turning point.”
The crisis stemmed from delays in the National Treasury’s release of Ksh. 900 million in co-financing to global partners Gavi and UNICEF, halting procurement and exposing an estimated 80,000 children to the risk of disease. Following mounting pressure from health experts and public health advocates, the funds were finally disbursed, allowing for the urgent resumption of vaccine supply.
The vaccines, which were welcomed by officials from the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO, and NVIP, are now being distributed to nine central depots before reaching all 47 counties. A national catch-up immunization campaign will begin on June 15 to vaccinate children who missed their doses.
“This is not just a vaccine delivery, it’s a lifeline,” said Dr. Bashir Issak, Director of Family Health. “We are committed to ensuring no child is left behind again.”
The milestone also highlights the urgent need for a more resilient and reliable supply chain for essential health commodities.
