- 3.5 million children vaccinated against measles so far, out of a 6.5 million target
- 12.1 million receive typhoid vaccine as nationwide campaign enters second week
- Over 4,000 previously unvaccinated children (zero-dose) reached for the first time
- Vaccines declared safe by the WHO will now be given routinely at 9 months
- Ksh 4.9 billion set aside to support the ongoing national immunisation plan
The Ministry of Health has recorded a strong response to the ongoing Measles-Rubella (MR) and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) campaign, with millions of children across the country already vaccinated in the first week.
Speaking through an official update, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said that 3.5 million children have so far been vaccinated against measles, while 12.1 million have received the typhoid vaccine.
One of the key highlights of the drive has been the inclusion of children who had never received any previous vaccination. Over 4,000 zero-dose children have now received both vaccines, boosting protection in vulnerable areas.
“This effort will go a long way in building population immunity, especially in informal settlements and remote regions,” CS Duale said.
The vaccination drive, which kicked off on July 5, is not just happening in hospitals. Teams have been dispatched to schools, churches, mosques, markets, and homes to reach every eligible child.
Health officers, local leaders, and trained volunteers are working together to ensure no child is left out, with mobile units operating in hard-to-reach areas.
Going forward, CS Duale confirmed that the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) will now be part of the regular childhood immunisation schedule, given to children at nine months of age in all 47 counties.
This vaccine helps protect against drug-resistant typhoid, which is common in places with poor sanitation and dirty water, especially in crowded urban areas.
To keep the momentum going and avoid future shortages, the Ministry says Ksh 4.9 billion has already been set aside in the 2025/26 national budget for vaccine buying and delivery.
The Cabinet Secretary assured parents that the vaccines have passed international and local safety tests and have been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In his closing remarks, CS Duale thanked health workers, parents, teachers, and religious leaders for their help in pushing the campaign forward and called on all Kenyans to make sure every eligible child is vaccinated.
“Let’s protect our children together, vaccines save lives,” he urged.
