KEWOPA urges government to boost child immunization funding

The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has urged the government to urgently increase funding for child immunization programs following a US funding freeze that has disrupted key health services and left millions of children at risk.

The association raised concerns over the government’s delay in meeting its co-financing obligations, warning that the shortfall could result in critical vaccine shortages and endanger child health across the country.

"The total co-financing requirement for the fiscal year 2024/2025 stands at $12,485,880 (Sh1.6 billion). Alarmingly, no payment has been made to date. With the June 30, 2025, deadline fast approaching, we face a serious threat of vaccine stockouts that would directly impact the health of millions of children across the country," said a statement by KEWOPA chair MP Leah Sankaire.

KEWOPA members emphasized that unless the government intervenes to bridge the funding gap, the lives of countless children remain in jeopardy

Despite the looming June 30, 2025, deadline, no payment has been made, putting millions of children at risk.

“The Ministry of Health and the National Treasury must act with urgency to prevent a vaccine stockout that could reverse years of progress in immunization,” KEWOPA emphasized.

The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association expressed concern over the government's delay in meeting its co-financing obligations for child immunisation, especially in light of the recent US funding freeze that has crippled key vaccination programs.

They warned that unless swift action is taken to bridge the funding gap, the country could face severe vaccine shortages, leaving millions of children vulnerable to preventable diseases.

MPs further said immunization programs in Kenya rely heavily on donor funding, which is rapidly declining, urging the government to increase domestic allocations to ensure sustainability.

"Kenya must progressively increase its domestic financing for immunization to sustain the progress we have made," KEWOPA stated.

The lawmakers stressed that overreliance on external support is no longer viable and called on the government to prioritize child health by committing adequate resources in the national budget.

They noted that a failure to act could undo gains made in reducing child mortality and controlling vaccine-preventable diseases.

The legislators also urged the Ministry of Health to provide the National Assembly with an immediate status report on the country’s vaccine stock levels.

"We further seek the National Treasury to present to the National Assembly the status of Kenya's GAVI co-financing obligations and payment schedules," said the statement.

"This should include the paid amounts as well as the pipeline amounts in addition to the proposed dates for payments. This will enable Kenya be on track to meeting its obligations as well as strengthening its relationship with GAVI."