Embakasi West Member of Parliament, Hon. Mark Mwenje, has sounded the alarm over a critical shortage of essential childhood vaccines in Kenya, calling for urgent action from the Ministry of Health.
Addressing the National Assembly, Hon. Mwenje expressed concern that newborns across the country are being left vulnerable due to the depletion of the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) and polio vaccines — vital immunizations used to prevent tuberculosis and poliomyelitis in infants.
“Vaccination of newborns is essential for the development of immunity and elimination of infant mortality,” said Hon. Mwenje. “It is deeply alarming that recent reports indicate that 12 out of 47 counties have completely run out of BCG and polio vaccines.”
The MP cited a June 6 warning from the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Medical Services, which projected that the national stockpile of BCG and polio vaccines would be exhausted within two weeks, while the rotavirus vaccine could run out in a month.
In a formal request to the Departmental Committee on Health, Hon. Mwenje demanded an immediate statement outlining the Ministry’s response, timelines for vaccine replenishment, and a clear logistical plan to ensure equitable distribution across all counties, especially remote areas.
He also pressed for details on the coordination between the Ministry of Health and the National Treasury regarding the timely disbursement of funds for vaccine procurement through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The urgency of the matter was echoed by National Assembly Speaker Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, who confirmed that vaccines had recently landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following his direct engagement with the Principal Secretary for Health, Dr. Oluga.
“While I was assured that vaccines have arrived, that is not enough,” Speaker Wetang’ula said. “This House must be informed that vaccines have not only landed but have been delivered to every health facility.
Children across the country are constitutionally entitled to this protection.”
He directed the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health, Dr. James Nyikal, to issue a comprehensive response by Tuesday next week — a significant acceleration from the standard two-week period.
“This is too important for delay,” Speaker Wetang’ula asserted.