NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Assembly has ordered an urgent investigation into a worrying shortage of polio and BCG vaccines across the country, amid growing concern over the health risks posed to newborns and vulnerable communities.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed the Parliamentary Committee on Health, chaired by Seme MP James Nyikal, to deliver a comprehensive report within a week—rejecting the usual two-week timeline and underscoring the urgency of the matter.
“This is not a routine delay we are dealing with,” Wetang’ula told lawmakers during a House session. “Children are born in every corner of this country and are entitled to these critical vaccines.”
The move follows reports from health facilities nationwide struggling to immunise infants against polio and tuberculosis, sparking alarm among health professionals and legislators.
Wetang’ula said he had confirmed the shortage with Health Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga, who indicated that new vaccine shipments had arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
However, the Speaker said confirmation of delivery was not enough.
“We must see evidence of efficient, timely, and equitable distribution. Parliament needs to know which hospitals have received vaccines and which haven’t,” he said.
Dr Nyikal’s committee will assess the entire distribution chain—from the arrival of the vaccines to their delivery at national and local health facilities.
The Ministry of Health, in a statement released Friday, acknowledged the shortage and said new doses of polio and BCG vaccines are currently being redistributed in partnership with county governments.
“The Ministry is actively redistributing available vaccine stocks… to ensure equitable access to all Kenyans,” said Dr Oluga, the PS for Medical Services.
He blamed the disruption on global supply bottlenecks that have also impacted other countries.
To prevent future crises, the Ministry announced it is developing a national vaccine reserve for all 47 counties—a strategic stockpile aimed at improving preparedness and ensuring faster response times during supply disruptions.
