In a move to strengthen Kenya’s national immunisation programme, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today flagged off 6.2 million life-saving vaccine doses from Afya House, Nairobi, urging county governments to act swiftly in protecting children from preventable diseases.
The consignment includes 3 million doses of the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, vital in the fight against childhood tuberculosis, and 3.2 million doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), part of ongoing efforts to eliminate polio nationwide.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our public health mission,” said CS Duale. “These vaccines are not just vials they are a lifeline for millions of Kenyan children. We must now ensure that they reach the furthest corners of this country.”
The CS issued a clarion call to all 47 counties to coordinate with the Ministry of Health for the prompt collection and equitable distribution of the vaccines. He specifically urged County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) for Health to prioritise delivery to remote and underserved communities, where logistical challenges often delay access to critical healthcare.
CS Duale praised partners including UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) for supporting Kenya’s immunisation efforts, noting that the swift procurement and delivery of the vaccines reflect a shared commitment to child health and resilience.
Also present at the flag-off event were Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Council of Governors (CoG) CEO Ms. Mary Mwiti, and representatives from UNICEF and WHO.
“Immunisation is one of the most cost-effective health interventions,” said Dr. Amoth. “By protecting children early, we reduce disease burdens, hospital visits, and long-term disabilities.”
The Ministry of Health is encouraging all parents and caregivers to take their children to the nearest health centres for routine vaccinations, especially those who may have missed doses during past stockouts or during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This new rollout comes at a critical time, as Kenya intensifies efforts to meet its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals and address rising concerns over vaccine-preventable diseases in certain regions.
With the renewed momentum and enhanced collaboration across national and county governments, health experts are optimistic that Kenya is on track to not only improve vaccine coverage but also to fortify its public health infrastructure for generations to come.
