Kenya faces a looming risk of vaccine shortages after failing to remit Ksh1.6 billion in co-financing contributions to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi). The delayed payment, which is due by June 30, 2025, could disrupt routine immunization programs.
A letter from Gavi Senior Country Manager, Billie-Jean Nieuwenhuys, dated January 28, addressed to Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa, indicated that Kenya has not made any payments toward its 2024-2025 co-financing obligation of USD 12,485,880 (Ksh1.6 billion).
“Gavi is sending this co-financing reminder letter as the Kenya co-financing obligation for the 2024-2025 fiscal year remains fully outstanding,” Nieuwenhuys stated.
The letter further warned that failure to meet the payment deadline could severely impact Kenya’s vaccine supply. Gavi requires a three-month lead time between the payment of co-financing obligations and the delivery of doses, meaning delays could result in stock-outs.
According to Gavi, if a country remains in default for more than a year, support for the affected vaccines will be suspended until all arrears are cleared. Additionally, new vaccine programs that have been approved but not yet introduced may also be halted.
“Gavi may also suspend new vaccine support for programs already approved but not yet introduced,” Nieuwenhuys added.
Besides vaccines, the Health System and Immunization Strengthening (HSIS) fund could also be affected, making it harder for Kenya to secure financial support for healthcare projects.
Health Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have urged the National Treasury to expedite the payment to prevent disruptions to Kenya’s immunization programs.
Dr. Margaret Lubaale, Executive Director of the Health NGOs Network (HENNET), emphasized the urgency, warning that vaccines such as Malaria and Pentavalent, which require significant financial support, are at risk if payments are not made.
“To avoid stock-outs, the timely payment of co-financing obligations is critical,” she stated.
Hennet’s Advocacy and Communication Manager, Faith Ndungu, also called on the government to prioritize the payment, highlighting the importance of donor partnerships in sustaining immunization efforts.
“We request the government to honor its co-financing obligation to ensure the smooth implementation of the national vaccine program and maintain a good relationship with donors,” Ndungu said.
Kenya has made notable progress in financing its immunization programs, covering between 21 percent and 50 percent of routine immunization expenditures from 2017 to 2022. However, government spending on vaccines still accounts for just 0.5 percent to 1 percent of the country’s total health expenditures.
With Kenya expected to fully transition from Gavi support by 2027, domestic funding will need to cover the entire immunization budget. The Ministry of Health has already introduced new vaccines, including Yellow Fever and Malaria for high-risk counties and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for cervical cancer.
Vaccination remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), immunization prevents 4.4 million deaths annually, underscoring the importance of timely financing to sustain these efforts.
As the June 30 deadline approaches, CSOs and health experts are urging the government to act swiftly to safeguard Kenya’s immunization gains and protect future generations from vaccine-preventable diseases.
