The Ministry of Health has assured Kenyans that no child will miss a single dose of any vaccine.
According to Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga, despite 12 out of 47 counties reporting having run out of vaccines, an existing Zero-Dose Catch-Up mechanism established under the Bottom Up Economic Agenda will cover the deficit.
However, Dr Oluga admitted that the country is currently facing a challenge due to low vaccine stocks.
As of Friday, June 6, 2025, Kenya has a two-week stock remaining for the Tuberculosis and Polio vaccine, while there is only one month’s stock remaining for the Rota Virus Vaccine.
“The ministry is currently redistributing available vaccine stocks in collaboration with county governments to ensure equitable access to all Kenyans in all regions,” Dr Oluga said.
“We appreciate the ongoing cooperation of county governments and health facilities in managing this situation,” he added.
What is the cause of low vaccine stock in Kenya?
The Ministry of Health has linked the low vaccine stock to a combination of factors, among them the Global vaccine supply bottlenecks, which it said continue to impact many countries globally.
However, the ministry said it had put in place mechanisms to address the current challenges.
They include ongoing clearing of 3.2 million doses of Polio Vaccine at the Port of Mombasa for distribution by June 10, 2025.
Additionally, 3 million BCG (Tuberculosis) Vaccines are expected in the country and distribution is planned by June 15th.
“The ministry is also establishing Strategic Vaccine Reserves in all 47 counties through a programme that will be sustainably financed and efficiently operated,” said the Medical Services PS.
