•Kagwe said that vaccination exercise is open to all persons above 18 years since the country has sufficient doses.
• Blair has pledged to support Kenya’s health agenda including expanding internet connectivity among rural communities through his foundation.
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe has said the government is still hopeful that before the year ends, at least 10 million people will be vaccinated against coronavirus.
The CS said that there is a need to mobilise Kenyans to go for the vaccines, adding that vaccination is open to all persons above 18 years since the country has sufficient doses.
“National Government Administration Officers across the country should participate in social mobilisation of people both in the urban and rural areas for them to turn out for vaccination,” Kagwe said.
“We’re appealing to political leaders to ask their supporters who attend their rallies mainly the youth to ensure they are vaccinated.”
He also said that a vaccination certificate should be considered as an entry requirement to crowded places.
“Businesses and premises operating in areas prone to crowds like hotels, bars, lodgings, sporting activities as well as places of worship should consider the requirement of a vaccination certificate for entry into their premises in keeping with global practice.”
Kagwe was giving his remarks in Italy on Thursday after meeting with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair on the sidelines of the second edition of the European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East.
The CS also sought the support of the former British PM in helping the country reach out to more partners to further enhance its capacity as well as implement ongoing reforms within the health sector.
The CS said that the country is seeking progressive partnerships as it seeks to adopt new technologies aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the country.
“Kenya has been prioritising modernising its healthcare systems as well as upscaling training of specialty health professionals through formalised government arrangements.”
During the meeting, Blair pledged to support Kenya’s health agenda including expanding internet connectivity among rural communities through his foundation as well as global contacts.
He also promised to support the push for universal access to Covid-19 vaccines as well as global recognition of all vaccines endorsed for use by the World Health Organisation.