MPs Ask Uhuru to Take COVID-19 Jab to Boost Public Confidence

A group of MPs has urged President Kenyatta to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to boost public confidence in the jab. 

Members of the National Assembly Health Committee expressed concerns over the low uptake of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine by Kenyans.

Led by the committee’s chairman Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege, the MPs said members of the public do not have confidence in the jab due to its bad publicity locally and abroad.

“Kenyans are a worried lot because of the news making circles about this drug, and the only way we can assure them is by the President and his deputy to take the jab in public,” said Seme MP James Nyikal.

Members of the House team spoke during a visit to the national vaccine depot in Kitengela, Kajiado County on Wednesday.

Dr. Collins Tabu, head of the National Vaccines and Immunization program, blamed the poor uptake of the jab on adverse media publicity locally and abroad, and the suspension of the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine in several countries in Europe over safety concerns.

He indicated that only 10,000 people receive the jab per day in all the 660 outlets providing vaccination services across the country.

On claims that healthcare workers are selling the vaccine to Kenyans, Tabu said an investigation is ongoing to find the truth.

“We started investigating the matter the moment the media reported it but so far, we have not established anything to that effect,” said Tabu.