The Ministry of Health has announced a nationwide shortage of the rotavirus vaccine given to infants, following delays in global supply.
In a statement released on March 5, 2026, Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the shortage involves the Rotavac Frozen rotavirus vaccine, which is routinely administered to babies at 6, 10, and 14 weeks.
“The Ministry of Health would like to inform the public of a temporary disruption in the global supply of the Rotavac Frozen rotavirus vaccine, routinely administered to infants at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age,” read the statement in part.
Manufacturer Delays Disrupt Vaccine Deliveries
According to Duale, the international manufacturer Bharat Biotech is experiencing production delays due to ongoing facility upgrades, which have affected deliveries expected for 2026 and 2027.
As of March 3, 2026, Kenya has only 4,000 doses left, less than a month’s supply, and a shipment expected in January has been pushed to late April 2026 at the earliest.
Duale noted that the ministry is working with UNICEF and other global partners to expedite shipments, share the remaining doses fairly among counties, and closely monitor stock levels to minimize disruption to immunization services.
Also Read: Reprieve for Kenyans as Shortage for Crucial Vaccines Ends
Parents are encouraged to continue taking children for routine vaccines and to practice effective measures to prevent diarrhea, such as handwashing with soap, safe water treatment, and proper food handling.
Duale assured the public that the government is doing everything possible to stabilize the vaccine supply and will keep updating Kenyans as the situation changes. He emphasized that protecting children’s health remains the Ministry’s top priority.
“The Ministry of Health assures the public that it is working with global partners to restore normal vaccine supply and will continue to provide regular updates. Protecting the health of all children remains our highest priority,” noted Duale
Earlier Shortages Point to a Bigger National Immunisation Challenge
In the past year, hospitals across the country have repeatedly faced shortages of the Bacille Calmette‑Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which protects newborns from tuberculosis, leading to some babies being discharged without receiving this essential birth‑dose immunisation.
Facilities like Kisumu Referral Hospital have been asking mothers to register and return months later due to delays in national‑level procurement, a situation confirmed by Kisumu Health CEC Gregory Ganda. Other counties, such as Baringo, have also run out of BCG, alongside shortages of Tetanus and Yellow Fever vaccines, raising concerns for vulnerable infants.
This follows an earlier nationwide vaccine crisis in May, when key routine childhood vaccines, including BCG, Oral Polio, and Measles‑Rubella, were in short supply.
Also Read: Kenya to Receive 2 million Mpox Vaccines Amid Public Health Concerns
The Ministry of Health has since said it is tracking vaccine use, redistributing doses between counties, working with UNICEF to speed up shipments, and putting long‑term plans in place as Kenya prepares to gradually transition from Gavi support by 2030.
Government Action Temporarily Eased the Crisis
In June 2025, the crisis temporarily eased after Kenya received 3 million doses of the BCG vaccine at JKIA. The shipment, delivered with support from UNICEF and the World Health Organization, was received by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga.
The consignment arrived at a crucial time, helping replenish national stocks and sustain the country’s routine immunisation programme.
“3 million doses of Bacille Calmette‑Guérin (BCG) vaccine arrived at JKIA, received by PS for Medical Services alongside officials from the Ministry of Health, Kenya, the World Health Organisation, Kenya, and the United Nations Children’s Fund,” the World Health Organisation confirmed.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
