First COVID-19 Vaccine Consignment Expected in Kenya on Tuesday

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe says the first consignment of the COVID-19 vaccine will arrive in the country on Tuesday.

Addressing the press in Nyeri on Sunday, CS Kagwe said priority will be given to healthcare workers across the country.

On Sunday, the country recorded 325 new cases of COVID-19, raising the total number to 105,973 while the death toll rose to 1,856 after two patients succumbed to the virus.

Last week, the Cabinet ratified the distribution framework for the vaccine, with the priority being given to healthcare and frontline workers, including security personnel, teachers, vulnerable persons and groups, and the hospitality sector.

In the first phase of the vaccination program, which runs between March and June, 1.25 million people will be inoculated.
 
9.7 million Kenyans above the age of 50 and those above 18 years with underlying conditions will be vaccinated in the second phase between July 2021 and June 2022.

In the third and final phase, 4.9 million Kenyans, especially the vulnerable populations, will receive the jab.

The Health Ministry said it will hire more than 23,000 healthcare workers, including 8,000 heath volunteers, to ensure the three-phased vaccination process runs smoothly.