Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced that BCG and polio vaccines are expected to arrive in the country between June 10 and 15.
Duale said the confirmation came in writing from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
“UNICEF has confirmed to me in writing yesterday that the first batch will arrive between the 10th and 15th of June,” the CS told the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health on Thursday.
He explained that the shortage was due to the Treasury’s delay in releasing Sh930 million in co-financing funds to Gavi.
“We procure vaccines through two systems: one where we fully fund the purchase, and another where we co-finance with Gavi,” he said.
Duale noted the delay was caused by exchequer issues, but the Treasury Cabinet Secretary has committed to paying the outstanding Sh930 million.
The delay has led to a nationwide shortage of key vaccines, with BCG and oral polio vaccines being the most affected.
He confirmed the shortage has lasted for two weeks, and that children scheduled for immunisation will now have to wait about a month.
Duale also reported progress in the ongoing reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), which has long struggled with supply chain inefficiencies. He stated that the government has introduced a policy aimed at raising KEMSA’s fill rate from the current 47 per cent.
“I can confirm that KEMSA’s current refill rate stands at 47 per cent. We are undertaking major reforms. We have secured a Sh10 billion letter of credit from KCB to help increase the refill rate to 100 per cent,” Duale said.
