Kenya is making significant progress in its immunization efforts, having achieved over 80% coverage that protects millions of children and adults from vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite this impressive milestone, the country continues to face a substantial challenge in meeting its full vaccine needs, which amount to nearly KES 8 billion annually.
In a recent ceremony held at Afya House, where 2,000 units of Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) were officially distributed, government officials reiterated the importance of sustaining and expanding immunization coverage. The CCE units are critical for maintaining vaccine potency by ensuring proper storage conditions throughout the delivery process, especially in remote and underserved areas. This enhancement in the vaccine supply chain infrastructure is expected to improve last-mile delivery, making vaccines accessible to every child across the country.
The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, emphasized the urgent need for strong collaboration among all stakeholders involved in immunization programs. She highlighted that while Kenya has made commendable gains, maintaining and building upon these achievements requires a united approach that involves government agencies, international partners, health workers, and the community at large.
A key priority outlined during the event is Kenya’s commitment to self-reliance in vaccine supply through the development of local manufacturing capacity. The Kenya Bio-Vaccines Institute (Biovax) is at the forefront of this initiative. Biovax aims to reduce dependency on imported vaccines by building a robust local production system. This effort is supported by cutting-edge research and development activities carried out in partnership with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), which is driving innovation in vaccine technology and production.
Investing in local vaccine manufacturing has multiple benefits for Kenya. It not only secures a more sustainable and reliable vaccine supply but also fosters the growth of the biotech industry, creates jobs, and builds national capacity in health technology. Additionally, local production can improve responsiveness to public health emergencies, enabling faster access to vaccines during outbreaks.
The distribution of the new Cold Chain Equipment is a significant boost to the country’s immunization infrastructure. Proper cold chain systems are essential for preserving the effectiveness of vaccines from the point of manufacture to the point of administration. The introduction of 2,000 new CCE units will enhance Kenya’s ability to maintain vaccines at the recommended temperatures, reducing wastage and ensuring that immunization programs run efficiently.
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale officially flagged off the rollout of the equipment, highlighting the government’s dedication to strengthening health systems and improving immunization outcomes. The event also underscored the importance of last-mile delivery in reaching children in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against preventable diseases.
The ceremony was attended by key figures including the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni; UNICEF Representative, Mr. Mahboob A. Bajwa; WHO Representative, Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo; and the Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, among other ministry officials and partners.
Kenya’s continued progress in immunization, supported by improved cold chain infrastructure and enhanced local vaccine manufacturing, is a crucial step toward achieving universal vaccine coverage. These efforts contribute significantly to the country’s broader public health goals by reducing the incidence of preventable diseases, improving child survival rates, and building resilient health systems.
Moving forward, sustained investment, innovation, and collaboration will be vital to overcoming remaining challenges and ensuring that every Kenyan has access to life-saving vaccines. The focus on strengthening both the supply chain and local production capacity reflects a strategic approach to securing Kenya’s health future while empowering the nation to be more self-sufficient in addressing its immunization needs.
