Kenya launches 2,000 cold chain units for nationwide immunization

KENYA— Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has officially launched 2,000 new Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) units at Afya House in Nairobi, marking a significant upgrade to Kenya’s immunization infrastructure.

This equipment, generously donated by UNICEF, will be distributed to all 47 counties across the country.

The goal is to ensure vaccines remain effective and are safely delivered, especially to remote and hard-to-reach areas where maintaining the cold chain is challenging.

The event, themed “Strengthening Immunization Infrastructure for a Healthier Nation,” highlighted the government’s strong commitment to improving vaccine access and equity nationwide.

 Hon. Duale emphasized that this initiative is a crucial step toward reinforcing Primary Health Care, which is a key pillar of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

He stated that immunization is vital for public health, but vaccines must be kept at precise temperatures from manufacture to administration for them to be effective.

Alongside the launch of the cold chain units, Hon. Duale introduced Kenya’s Integrated Immunization Data Repository and Dashboard Portal (KeNIVP).

This innovative digital platform provides real-time vaccine and immunization data, enhancing planning, decision-making, and accountability in vaccine delivery.

The portal will improve visibility and traceability of immunization efforts, helping the government respond quickly to coverage gaps and ensuring better service delivery.

Hon. Duale also reiterated his firm commitment to uphold the Constitution by transferring the payrolls and associated budgets for UHC staff from the Ministry of Health to county governments.

He stressed that health is a devolved function and pledged not to violate the law or the spirit of devolution.

This move aims to strengthen county-level health services and improve efficiency in managing health workers.

The event was attended by key partners including UNICEF Representative Mr. Mahboob A. Bajwa, WHO Representative Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health), Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and other senior Ministry officials.

According to Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga, Kenya has achieved over 80% immunization coverage but requires nearly KES 8 billion (US$60 million) annually to procure vaccines.

 The government is pushing for enhanced collaboration to expand coverage and address existing gaps.

Additionally, there is a strong focus on local vaccine production through Biovax, supported by research from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), which will further strengthen vaccine availability.

The new cold chain equipment includes solar- and electricity-powered refrigerators, cold boxes, and temperature monitors.

These will ensure vaccines are stored and transported at the correct temperatures, enhancing last-mile delivery.

This means every child, regardless of location, will have better protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

This major investment in cold chain infrastructure is supported by international partners such as UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank.

The government has invested about US$16 million in cold chain equipment to reinforce primary healthcare and immunization services.

Hon. Duale praised these partnerships for being transformative and urged parents and caregivers to take full advantage of the improved vaccine access.

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