3.5 million children receive measles vaccines in ongoing campaign: Health ministry

In a statement to newsrooms, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale said that the number is out of a target of 6.5 million, while 12.1 million children have received  the TCV vaccines out of a targeted 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," he said.

The campaign which started on July 5, has seen vaccines being provided for in public health facilities and outreach sites including schools, churches, mosques, markets, and other community locations. 

Trained teams are also visiting households and local centres to reach all eligible children.

CS Duale assured that the vaccines are WHO-approved, having passed rigorous international and local safety reviews. They are already protecting millions of children globally. 

Strong Start to MR-TCV Vaccination Campaign as Ministry Urges Continued Participation The Ministry of Health appreciates caregivers, parents, health workers, religious leaders, community mobilisers, and all Kenyans for the strong turnout and continued support for the ongoing Measles-Rubella (MR) and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) campaign, which began on 5th July 2025. 

So far, 3.5 million children have received the MR vaccine out of a target of 6.5 million, while 12.1 million have received the TCV vaccine out of 19.2 million targeted. 

According to MoH, TCV will be routinely provided in all immunizing facilities across Kenya’s 47 counties at 9 months of age. 

TCV vaccines is a safe and effective vaccine that offers high protection against drug-resistant Salmonella Typhi.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends TCV for children aged 6 months and older in typhoid-endemic areas and high-risk populations in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water, as well as for travelers to areas where typhoid disease is common.

This lies agaisnt the backdrop of the Ministry's assurance that there will be no more shortages of vaccine as witnessed in recent weeks, where hospitals and healthcare facilities decried shortage. 

The ministry said that Treasury allocated Kshs 4.9 billion in the 2025/26 Financial Year which will significantly cater for vaccine administration.