Health ministry announces shortage of rotavirus vaccine

The Ministry of Health has announced a temporary disruption in the supply of the rotavirus vaccine used in the country’s routine immunisation programme for infants.

The rotavirus vaccine is an oral immunisation used to protect young children from severe diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration caused by the virus. 

In a statement issued on Thursday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed a shortage of the Rotavac Frozen vaccine, which is administered to infants at six, ten and fourteen weeks of age to protect them against rotavirus infections.

According to the ministry, the disruption follows a notification from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance that the vaccine manufacturer, Bharat Biotech, is experiencing production delays due to facility upgrades. The delays are expected to affect vaccine deliveries globally between 2026 and 2027.

As of March 3, 2026, Kenya had about 4,000 doses of the vaccine remaining at the national level, which is estimated to last for less than one month.

A shipment that had initially been expected in January 2026 has been delayed, with the earliest anticipated arrival now projected for the end of April.

The ministry says it is working closely with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other partners to fast-track shipments, redistribute available doses equitably across counties, and closely monitor stock levels to minimise disruption to immunisation services.

Parents and caregivers were urged to continue taking children for routine immunisation visits despite the shortage. 

CS Duale also appealed to families to uphold hygiene measures, including regular handwashing with soap, treatment of drinking water, proper food handling, and maintaining clean household environments.

He assured the public that the government is working with global partners to restore normal vaccine supply.

"Protecting the health of all children remains our highest priority," the statement read in part.