Vaccine crisis hits 12 counties, doses to arrive by mid-June - PS Oluga

The Ministry of Health has admitted that vaccine stock levels in the country are running low, with 12 counties already out of key supplies, but assured the public that no child will miss their scheduled immunizations.

In a statement on Friday, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga said the country is currently facing shortages of the BCG, Polio, and Rota Virus vaccines.

"Vaccine stock levels of concern are as follows: BCG and Polio have two weeks’ stock remaining, while Rota Virus vaccine has one month’s stock," Oluga said.

The Ministry, however, said it's working with county governments to redistribute the available doses to ensure all regions have access.

"We appreciate the ongoing cooperation of county governments and healthcare facilities in managing this situation," the statement added.

PS Oluga attributed the shortage to ongoing global vaccine supply bottlenecks, which have affected several countries.

However, he said the Ministry is already taking steps to fix the situation.

"3.2 million doses of Polio vaccine are currently being cleared at the port for distribution by 10th June 2025," Oluga noted.

He added that 3 million BCG vaccine doses are expected by mid-June.

To avoid future shortages, the Ministry is also setting up a strategic vaccine reserve in all 47 counties.

Oluga said this system will be sustainably financed and efficiently managed.

Despite the current pressure, Oluga assured parents and caregivers that all children will still receive the vaccines they need.

"No child will miss a single dose of any vaccine, thanks to the Zero-Dose Catch-Up Mechanism established and operational under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA)," he said.