Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced that much-anticipated shipments of polio and BCG vaccines are expected to arrive in Kenya between June 10 and 15. This update comes as relief amid a nationwide shortage of these critical vaccines, which has disrupted routine immunization schedules across the country.
Duale shared this information during a briefing to the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health, revealing that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) confirmed the vaccine delivery in writing. The shortage, he explained, stemmed from a delay in the Treasury’s release of Sh930 million, which was meant as co-financing funds to Gavi, the global vaccine alliance that supports Kenya’s immunization programs.
“UNICEF has confirmed to me in writing that the first batch of vaccines will arrive between the 10th and 15th of June,” Duale stated. He further clarified that Kenya procures vaccines through two main systems: one fully funded by the government and another co-financed with Gavi. The delay in releasing the co-financing funds by the Treasury led to the temporary shortfall of vaccines.
The shortage, which has persisted for about two weeks, has forced a pause in immunization for children due to receive the BCG and oral polio vaccines, with an estimated wait time now extending to approximately one month.
Beyond vaccine supply, Duale highlighted progress in reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), the government agency responsible for procuring and distributing medical supplies nationwide. KEMSA has struggled with supply chain inefficiencies, resulting in a current fill rate of only 47 percent.
To address this, the government has initiated reforms and secured a Sh10 billion letter of credit from Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB). This financial backing aims to boost KEMSA’s refill rate to 100 percent, ensuring steady and reliable supply of vaccines and other essential medical commodities going forward.
These developments mark a significant step toward stabilizing Kenya’s immunization program and safeguarding children’s health nationwide.
