Vaccine shortage hits 12 counties – MoH
The Ministry of Health has raised the alarm over dwindling vaccine stocks in the country, revealing that critical immunisation supplies, including BCG and polio vaccines, could run out in just two weeks.
In a press statement issued on Friday, June 6, 2025, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga, said that 12 counties face a shortage of vaccines.
“More alarming, 12 out of Kenya’s 47 counties have already run out of stock entirely,” the ministry declared.
While specific counties were not named, the ministry confirmed that vaccine shortages are being felt nationwide. According to the ministry, stocks for three major vaccines are nearing exhaustion: BCG (tuberculosis vaccine): Only 2 weeks of stock remaining; polio vaccine: 2 weeks of stock remaining; and rotavirus vaccine: approximately 1 month of stock remaining.
The ministry attributed the current shortage to global vaccine supply bottlenecks, which have also affected several other countries.
“The low vaccine stock levels have resulted from a combination of factors and mainly the global vaccine supply bottlenecks, which continue to impact several countries,” the press release read in part.
Supply chain disruptions, increased global demand, and logistical hurdles are believed to have slowed vaccine imports into Kenya, a situation worsened by the country’s reliance on international manufacturers for life-saving jabs.
Oluga acknowledged the challenge while reassuring Kenyans that urgent measures are underway to restore supply and protect vulnerable populations, particularly children under five.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Kenyans. In this regard, we acknowledge the challenges currently facing vaccine stock levels and immunisation efforts nationwide,” Oluga said.
Addressing vaccine shortage
To mitigate the shortfall, the government indicated that the available stock would be redistributed across the counties in partnership with local health officials. This stopgap measure is aimed at ensuring that no child is left behind in the ongoing immunisation programmes.
“The ministry is actively redistributing available vaccine stocks in collaboration with county governments to ensure equitable access to all Kenyans in all regions,” Oluga stated.
The ministry outlined June 10, 2025, and June 15, 2025, as a timeline for the expected replenishment of vaccine stocks.
“3.2 million doses are currently being cleared at the port and are expected to be distributed by June 10 2025 and BCG vaccine 3.0 million doses are expected at the port, with distribution scheduled for June 15, 2025.”
Oluga said the incoming supplies are expected to temporarily stabilise the situation while long-term mechanisms are developed.
Strategic Vaccine Reserve works
In response to the current crisis, Ologa announced plans to establish a Strategic Vaccine Reserve in all 47 counties. The reserve will ensure that critical vaccines are always available, even during future global shortages.
“The ministry is establishing a strategic vaccine reserve in all 47 counties through a programme that will be sustainably financed and efficiently operated,” Oluga said.
The initiative aims to decentralise vaccine storage and management, creating a buffer that can be activated during periods of scarcity.
He reassured the public through the activation of a Zero-Dose Catch-Up Mechanism, which was developed under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“The ministry reassures all Kenyans that no child will miss a single dose of any vaccine, thanks to the Zero-Dose Catch-Up Mechanism,” he asserted.
He said the mechanism identifies and prioritises children who have missed routine vaccinations, ensuring they are immunised as soon as doses are available.
