The Kenyan government has reiterated the safety and efficacy of the Measles-Rubella and Typhoid Conjugate vaccines, affirming that all vaccines administered in the country go through a thorough and multi-layered evaluation process before approval.
Health Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth assured the public that no vaccine is introduced into the national immunization schedule without meeting strict safety and effectiveness standards. “All vaccines, including the Measles-Rubella and the newly introduced Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), have passed stringent regulatory processes,” Amoth said. He emphasized the role of the Kenya National Technical Immunization Advisory Group (KENITAG), which reviews global data on vaccine safety, effectiveness, and best practices before any approval is granted.
Amoth urged parents and guardians to ensure their children are immunized, stressing that immunization is one of the most powerful tools in public health, preventing disease outbreaks, saving lives, and reducing long-term healthcare costs. “Let us not give room to fear or misinformation. Immunization is a proven lifesaver,” he said.
The Ministry of Health is currently intensifying both routine and campaign immunization efforts across the country, particularly targeting children under 15, who are most vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.
To ensure wider reach, Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga announced a joint initiative involving the Ministries of Interior and Education. Together with Interior PS Raymond Omollo and Education PS Julius Bitok, a national committee has been established to spearhead vaccination efforts in schools and underserved areas.
Oluga noted that National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), including chiefs and assistant chiefs, are playing a key role in tracing unvaccinated children. “We aim to reach 20 million children for the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine and seven million for the Measles-Rubella vaccine within the next two weeks, ending July 14,” he said.
The government’s renewed push for mass immunization comes amid concerns over vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Authorities are urging communities to embrace the vaccines, reaffirming their commitment to protecting the health of every Kenyan child.
