Ngaatho Primary School pupils during the launch of a school feeding programme facilitated by the NGCDF in partnership with Food 4 Education NGO on June 10, 2025Murang’a government plans to vaccinate 441,000 children against measles-rubella and typhoid in a 10-day campaign launched by the Ministry of Health.
The campaign, which is set to start from July 5 to 14, seeks to prevent the diseases.
Health executive Fredrick Mbugua said about 332,000 children aged between nine months and 14 years will receive the typhoid conjugate vaccine.
Another 108,000 children aged between nine to 59 months will be vaccinated against measles-rubella.
“The county is fully prepared to implement the campaign and meet its ambitious targets in 10 days,” Mbugua who was addressing partners ahead of the Saturday launch said.
He urged leaders, including the clergy, to help fight misinformation about the vaccines and create awareness on the exercise.
Nursing services coordinator Salome Kimani said the vaccines will seal gaps in measles immunisation and curb rising typhoid cases.
“Many children missed some vital vaccinations during Covid 19 period which left them vulnerable to diseases. This has necessitated the vaccination campaign,” she said.
Kimani said county’s coverage for measles immunisation currently stands at 88 per cent and the campaign is expected to raise it to 95 per cent.
“For typhoid, we have recorded many cases, even among children. It’s a wake-up call for us to act fast and vaccinate as many children as possible, particularly the young ones," he said.
Boosting public immunity and preventing future outbreaks, especially in areas where vaccine coverage remains low, are some of the objectives of the campaign.
Diana Chege, a health promotion officer highlighted the strategic partnerships the county has built to ensure success of the campaign.
She said the Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission have been engaged to allow vaccinators access to schools as teachers are the key custodians of school-going children.
“The two partners are helping us prepare learners for the vaccination," Chege said.
Currently, the county is conducting mobilisation in ECDE centres, primary schools, churches and markets. It is also employing door-to-door visits to ensure no child is left behind.
The vaccines will be administered free of charge at designated sites, including public and private schools, health facilities, mobile outreach posts and temporary booths in high-traffic areas.
Instant Analysis
The County Executive in Charge of health Fredrick Mbugua said about 332,000 aged between 9 months and 14 years children will receive the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV).
Another 108,000 children aged between 9 to 59 months will be targeted for the Measles-Rubella vaccine.
Many children missed some vital vaccinations during Covid 19 period which left them vulnerable to diseases.
