Kenya will soon begin rolling out vaccinations to the most vulnerable groups in 13 high-risk counties. This follows the arrival of the first batch of 10,700 vaccine doses, which were received with the support of government efforts and key development partners.
The vaccines, which arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday, are a critical component in curbing the spread of the virus, which has seen a significant rise in infections since December 2024. According to the Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, the MPOX vaccination campaign will be key to reducing the virus’s transmission, especially as cases have doubled in the past few months.
As of the latest update, Kenya has recorded 68 confirmed cases of MPOX, an increase from 32 reported in December. Tragically, one fatality has been linked to the virus.
The 13 counties, many of which are key entry points into the country, have been identified as the highest risk areas. Local health authorities and international partners are prioritizing these regions for immediate vaccination efforts.
Public health experts emphasize that while vaccination is a significant step forward, it is just one part of the larger battle against MPOX. With the support of various global partners, Kenya is optimistic about securing additional vaccine supplies to protect its population from further outbreaks.
Research shows that the MPOX vaccine is 82% effective when administered in two doses, four weeks apart, offering a robust defense against the virus. The government continues to work closely with international health bodies to expand vaccination access and keep the virus at bay.
In the coming weeks, health teams will begin rolling out the vaccine to the targeted groups, marking a critical milestone in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to combat the MPOX outbreak and prevent its spread beyond the borders.
