NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health has announced a major breakthrough in addressing vaccine shortages across the country, confirming that the government has allocated Ksh4.9 billion in the 2025/26 financial year to bolster immunization efforts.
Health Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth said the funding—secured through the National Treasury—will cover procurement and distribution of essential vaccines, including those for measles, polio, BCG and Mpox.
“There will be no more vaccine shortages,” said Dr. Amoth on Wednesday. “Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale is engaging Treasury to ensure this money is ring-fenced and disbursed promptly.”
The announcement follows weeks of public outcry after healthcare facilities across the country reported critical shortages of routine childhood vaccines.
Over 3,000 measles infections and multiple preventable deaths were recorded during this period.
To combat the resurgence, the Ministry plans to roll out an ambitious 10-day nationwide measles vaccination campaign targeting over 15 million children between the ages of 9 months and 14 years.
In addition, Dr. Amoth confirmed the availability of Mpox vaccines, noting that the government has received supplies which will be administered to the same age group to provide up to five years of immunity.
Meanwhile, Kenya has received 6.2 million doses of Polio and BCG vaccines, helping to stabilise routine immunisation programs disrupted by the shortages.
The resumption of vaccine supplies comes after Kenya cleared its arrears with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
“We have fulfilled our commitment to Gavi. In fact, we’ve paid more than what was expected,” Dr. Amoth said.
This development comes at a time of global uncertainty around vaccine financing, with the United States recently announcing it would halt further contributions to Gavi.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that Gavi must “re-earn the trust of Americans” and justify the $8 billion funding it has received since 2001.
“Until that happens, the United States won’t contribute more,” Kennedy said.
The Ministry of Health is urging parents and caregivers to participate in the upcoming measles immunisation drive and remain vigilant in ensuring their children receive routine vaccinations.
