The Ministry of Health has officially announced that the vaccine shortage in Kenya is now resolved, following the allocation of KSh 4.9 billion in the 2025/26 national budget. The funds will go toward vaccine procurement, distribution, and expanded immunisation campaigns.
This move comes as a relief to health facilities and parents after months of widespread concerns over stockouts of essential childhood vaccines, including BCG, polio, and measles.
Treasury Commits to Protected Vaccine Funding
Speaking during a media briefing, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed that the ministry is working with the National Treasury to ring-fence the KSh 4.9 billion. This will prevent the funds from being diverted to non-health-related expenditures.
“We are done with vaccine shortages. We now have enough vaccines, and we have secured consistent funding,” Duale stated.
The financial allocation is seen as a key strategy to build self-reliance, especially as some global donors like the U.S. reevaluate their contributions to organisations such as GAVI.
Measles Outbreak Triggers Nationwide Immunisation Drive
Kenya has recently experienced a measles outbreak, with over 3,000 reported cases. In response, the Ministry of Health is planning a 10-day nationwide immunisation campaign targeting more than 15 million children.
This campaign will be part of the broader efforts now possible thanks to the newly secured funding, which also includes the purchase of vaccines for Mpox and other emerging public health threats.
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Emergency Stock Now Available for Mpox
In addition to traditional childhood vaccines, the ministry has confirmed that Kenya now has Mpox vaccines in storage. These vaccines, which remain effective for up to five years, will be administered to children between 9 months and 14 years as part of new immunisation strategies.
The Mpox preparedness plan is part of Kenya’s proactive approach to safeguarding public health amid evolving global disease patterns.
Recent Deliveries Reinforce Stock Levels
The ministry confirmed the arrival of 6.2 million doses of BCG and polio vaccines in June. This delivery marks a major turning point in addressing the vaccine shortage in Kenya, ensuring that routine immunisation programmes resume fully at the county level.
GAVI Partnership Remains Intact
Despite global uncertainties, Kenya has fulfilled its co-financing obligations with GAVI—the global vaccine alliance. This has enabled continued technical support and vaccine access, even as donor countries like the U.S. delay additional funding to GAVI pending governance reviews.
The long-standing vaccine shortage in Kenya is now officially over, following the government’s bold step to allocate KSh 4.9 billion to immunisation efforts. With a stable vaccine supply, upcoming mass campaigns, and better preparedness for outbreaks like measles and Mpox, the country is poised to protect millions of children from preventable diseases.
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