3.5 Million Children Vaccinated in Kenya’s Measles and Typhoid Campaign, Health Ministry Reports

How Many Children Have Been Vaccinated So Far?

Kenya’s ongoing Measles-Rubella (MR) and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) campaign has already reached a major milestone. According to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, 3.5 million children have received the MR vaccine out of the 6.5 million targeted, while 12.1 million have been vaccinated with the TCV out of a total target of 19.2 million.

“Notably, over 4,000 zero-dose children, those never previously vaccinated, have now received both MR and TCV vaccines, strengthening population immunity,” said CS Duale.

The campaign, which began on July 5, is being rolled out in public health facilities and through mobile outreach stations in schools, churches, mosques, markets, and neighborhoods. Trained health workers are also going door to door to ensure no eligible child is left out.

Why Are These Vaccines Important for Kenyan Children?

The Ministry of Health has emphasized that both MR and TCV vaccines are approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and have passed stringent safety reviews. These vaccines are already in use around the world and are considered highly effective in protecting children from measles and drug-resistant typhoid.

CS Duale reaffirmed, “These vaccines are WHO-approved, having passed rigorous international and local safety reviews. They are already protecting millions of children globally.”

TCV, in particular, is set to be included in routine immunization for all children at nine months of age across all 47 counties. WHO recommends the vaccine for children six months and older in regions prone to typhoid outbreaks and poor sanitation, including for travelers to such areas.

What Measures Are in Place to Ensure Vaccine Availability?

This vaccination drive follows recent shortages in some health facilities, but the ministry says that has now been addressed. In the current 2025/26 Financial Year, the National Treasury has allocated Kshs 4.9 billion to support vaccine procurement and distribution across the country.

The Ministry of Health thanked caregivers, parents, healthcare professionals, religious leaders, and community mobilizers for their overwhelming support and high participation rates since the campaign kicked off.

With continued engagement and community involvement, Kenya aims to close the gap and reach every child in the remaining weeks of the campaign.

By Yockshard Enyendi