KEWOPA warns of vaccine stock-out as gov’t delays Ksh1.2B Gavi payment

The country could face another major vaccine stock out by mid  this year if the government  does not meet its financing obligations which will impact the health of millions of children in the country.

The Kenya Women parliamentary Associations (KEWOPA), the Health NGO network (HENNET )  and other stakeholders have  raised  concerns over delays by the government of Kenya to pay the  required 1.2 billion shillings required under the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation GAVI agreement to procure the vaccines needed in the country.

They have now called on the ministry of Health and the National Treasury to take immediate action to fulfill this obligation.

Kenya was expected to remit the funds by March 30, 2025, as part of its co-financing arrangement with Gavi.

However, the delay now threatens the country’s immunisation efforts, which have significantly improved child health over the years.

Speaking during an awareness forum  KEWOPA said it remains committed to ensure  vaccine equity and access to all Kenyan children.

With the June 30, 2025, deadline fast approaching stakeholders have urged the government to meet its part of the immunisation budget for the upcoming 2025/26 budget cycle.

While Kenya has a co-financing plan with Gavi for the next four years , the country is supposed to fully transition to full vaccine financing by the year 2029 having acquired the status of lower middle income economy.