Kenya Faces Rotavirus Vaccine Shortage as Supply Delayed
Kenya is experiencing a shortage of the rotavirus vaccine due to production delays at Bharat Biotech in India, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed on 5 March.
The vaccine, given to infants at six, ten, and fourteen weeks, is a key part of Kenya’s child health programme. The Ministry of Health reported that as of 3 March, only 4,000 doses remained in national stock, enough to last less than a month.
A shipment initially expected in January has been postponed, with the next delivery now anticipated at the end of April. The disruption is expected to affect vaccine distribution across the country throughout 2026 and into 2027.
Duale explained that production delays are linked to upgrades at Bharat Biotech’s facilities. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has informed the Kenyan government of the situation, prompting urgent coordination with UNICEF and other partners to expedite shipments and ensure fair distribution of the limited doses.
The Ministry has pledged to monitor stock levels and provide regular updates. While stressing the seriousness of the shortage, Duale urged parents to continue attending routine immunisation appointments.
He also encouraged families to maintain preventive measures, including handwashing with soap, treating drinking water, and practising safe food hygiene, to reduce the risk of diarrhoeal illness while vaccine supplies are limited. Kenya’s engagement with international partners aims to mitigate the impact and restore stability to the immunisation programme.
“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,” Duale said.
