Gov’t Announces Shortage Of Critical Vaccines
The Ministry of Health revealed that 12 of Kenya’s 47 counties had run out of key vaccine stockpiles, raising concerns about the country’s immunization efforts amid continued worldwide supply limitations.
In a statement issued Friday, the ministry reported that vaccine stock levels for important pediatric immunizations have plummeted to critical lows.
MOH confirmed that only two weeks’ supply was left for the BCG (Tuberculosis) and Polio vaccines and a month’s supply remaining for the Rota Virus vaccine.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Kenyans,” said Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga in the statement.
We have received 3.2 million doses of the Polio vaccine, and an additional 3.0 million doses of the BCG vaccine are expected by 10th June 2025. There is no cause for alarm.
— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) June 6, 2025
— Dr. Ouma Oluga, OGW, Principal Secretary, State Department for Medical Services pic.twitter.com/W2v19UFW62
“We acknowledge the challenges currently facing vaccine stock levels and immunization efforts across the country.”
The ministry ascribed the low stock levels to global vaccination supply bottlenecks, which still affect several nations, including Kenya.
To address the crisis, Dr. Oluga stated that the ministry is actively spreading available vaccines in collaboration with county administrations.
“We appreciate the ongoing cooperation of County Governments and healthcare facilities in managing this situation,” he said.
Among the actions implemented is the clearance and distribution of fresh vaccination supplies.
Dr. Oluga verified that 3.2 million doses of the Polio vaccination are now being cleared at the Port and are scheduled to be distributed by June 10, 2025.
Status of Vaccines and Immunization. pic.twitter.com/I31gFCuySE
— Dr. Ouma Oluga, OGW (@fnoluga) June 6, 2025
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Furthermore, 3 million doses of the BCG vaccine are planned to be delivered and distributed by June 15, 2025.
Looking ahead, the ministry is also aiming to develop a Strategic Vaccine Reserve in all 47 counties, which Dr. Oluga says will be “sustainably financed and efficiently operated.”
Despite the present challenges, the ministry reassured the public that no child would be left behind.
“No child will miss a single dose of any vaccine, thanks to the Zero-Dose Catch-Up Mechanism established and operational under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (ВЕTА),” Dr. Oluga affirmed.
Gov’t Announces Shortage Of Critical Vaccines
