Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale on Thursday flagged off a major consignment of over six million childhood vaccines for immediate distribution to counties, signalling a renewed effort to restore routine immunisation services across Kenya.
Speaking during the flag-off event, CS Duale announced that the country has received over three million doses of the BCG vaccine, which prevents tuberculosis, and 3.2 million doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV).
“Today, we are receiving over three million doses of the BCG vaccine that helps prevent TB and 3.2 million doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV).
This is a major boost to our national immunisation efforts,” Duale said.
He noted that the urgent delivery of the vaccines was made possible through the swift allocation of resources by the National Treasury, commending the government’s dedication to child health.
“The urgency with which the government has acted to facilitate this delivery is testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguard the health of our children,” he said.
The CS also recognised the role of immunisation partners, including UNICEF, for the rapid procurement and delivery of the vaccines.
“We equally value the unwavering support of all our partners, whose continued collaboration enables us to sustain high coverage of life-saving vaccines,” he said.
Duale directed county governments, through the Council of Governors and County Executive Committee Members for Health, to prioritise the collection and timely distribution of the vaccines from the regional depots to local health facilities, especially in underserved areas.
“We have already activated our logistics network to ensure these vaccines reach our eight regional vaccine stores by the end of this week. I urge the county health teams to act without delay so we can fully restore routine immunisation services across the country,” he said.
The CS acknowledged the broader global challenges in vaccine supply chains, including a projected shortage of the Rotavac Frozen vaccine—used to prevent rotavirus-related diarrhoea—from the second quarter of 2025 into 2026.
He said the ministry is developing technical guidance for health workers to manage the expected shortage.
“Despite these challenges, the Government of Kenya remains steadfast in its mission to uphold every child’s right to immunisation. No child should miss a vaccine due to supply constraints,” he stated.
To the public, Duale urged parents and guardians to take their children to the nearest health facility for any missed or upcoming vaccinations.
“These vaccines are now available, and this is the time to ensure every child is protected against deadly but preventable diseases,” he said.
He also encouraged communities to be active participants in monitoring vaccine availability.
“If you notice any vaccine stock-outs, service delays, or challenges at your local facility, please report them immediately to your health authorities. Your voice helps us act faster and serve you better,” he added.
Duale concluded with a call for continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure no child is left behind in the country’s immunisation programme.
“Together, with continued cooperation from the national and county governments, our partners, the media, and the public, we can ensure that no child is left behind in our immunisation efforts. Let us all work together to keep Kenya healthy and safe.”
