The Kenyan Ministry of Health commenced a 10-day vaccination campaign with the aim of reaching 2.3 million people to take Covid-19 vaccines by end of this month.
The campaign titled: “Kenya Tukae Chonjo” targets to have anyone above 15 years vaccinated, with emphasis on high-risk populations such as frontline workers, immune-compromised individuals and the elderly.
Individuals due for the second dose of a two-dose vaccine are also targeted to complete the dose for full vaccination, while those eligible for the booster dose will be vaccinated to enhance immunity.
Health Chief Administrative Secretary, Dr Mercy Mwangangi asserted:
“We will not wait for people to come to the hospitals. We want to be able to go to the people and it is the Community Health Volunteers who will be able to do this.”
The exercise was launched last Friday in Murang’a but the vaccination teams have been sent to the counties this week.
The 10-day vaccination campaign is supported by Unicef and Africa CDC among other partners.
The teams have been sent to Baringo, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Homa Bay, Kajiado, Kericho, Kisii, Kitui, Lamu, Makueni, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Muranga, Nandi, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Samburu, Tharaka Nithi, TransNzoia, Turkana, and Uasin Gishu.
“As of July 23, some 19,399,459 vaccines had been administered across the country, with 17,050,891 doses administered to the adult population of 18 years and above,” Kagwe stated.
“The government is working towards vaccinating a target population of 27,246,033,” the CS said.
Kagwe disclosed that so far, 1,615,644 doses have been administered to teens between 15 to 17 years, and 75,224 doses to those between 12 and 15 years.
