Kenya is facing a temporary shortage of the rotavirus vaccine following global supply disruptions affecting deliveries to several countries, the Ministry of Health has announced.
In a press statement dated March 5, 2026, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the shortage has been caused by production delays at the vaccine manufacturer, affecting shipments expected this year.
According to the ministry, the disruption involves the Rotavac Frozen rotavirus vaccine, which is routinely administered to infants at six, 10 and 14 weeks as part of Kenya’s routine immunisation programme.
The vaccine supply challenge was communicated to Kenya by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which supports vaccine procurement for many developing countries.
“Gavi the vaccine Alliance notified Kenya that the manufacturer, Bharat Biotech, is experiencing production delays due to facility upgrades, affecting vaccine deliveries in 2026–2027,” Duale said in part of the statement.
The manufacturer, Bharat Biotech, is currently upgrading its production facilities, a move that has slowed vaccine output and affected scheduled shipments globally.
How many doses of Rita virus vaccine does Kenya have?
As of March 3, 2026, Kenya had about 4,000 doses remaining at the national level, with the next shipment now expected towards the end of April.
Despite the shortage, the Ministry said it is coordinating with partners including UNICEF to manage the situation and ensure equitable distribution of available vaccines across counties.
“The Ministry of Health is working closely with UNICEF and partners to fast-track shipments, redistribute available doses equitably across counties, and closely monitor stock levels to minimize service disruption,” the statement adds.
Health officials have also urged parents and caregivers to continue taking children for routine immunisation and follow hygiene measures to prevent diarrhoeal diseases.
The ministry reassured the public that efforts are underway to restore normal supply.
“The Ministry of Health assures the public that it is working with global partners to restore normal vaccine supply and will continue to provide regular updates. Protecting the health of all children remains our highest priority,” said Duale.
