MOYALE – The Ministry of Health began a nationwide polio immunization campaign on Friday targeting children under the age of five.
The Kenya Red Cross, alongside the Ministry of Health, County governments and other international partners are supporting the Polio campaign.
The campaign aims to curb the spread of the poliovirus following an outbreak in Ethiopia in October 2024 and the detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) near the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
The mass vaccination drive will cover Marsabit County, which experienced a previous immunization campaign in December 2024. The immunization will target all children under 11 years in the county.
Children under five years in Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera counties where low immunization coverage puts children at high risk will be given the booster.
Mrs. Mary Muthoni Muriuki, the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Health said the ministry is estimating that 176,949 children in Marsabit will acquire the oral vaccine that contains weakened poliovirus during the drive.
An estimated 651,252 children in the three counties of Wajir, Garissa and Mandera will receive the vaccine to prevent poliomyelitis that will run until February 25th, 2025.
PS Muthoni said all children within the targeted age groups should be presented for vaccination, regardless of previous immunization history.
“Receiving multiple doses, officials assured, enhances immunity and does not pose any health risks,” she assured the public.

Health Officials Kick Off Polio Vaccination Program in NFD. Photo/ Courtesy
Kenya has a polio eradication strategy that is aligned with global efforts led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
The campaign is aimed at maintaining high immunization coverage of at least 90% in children under five.
Polio remains a public health threat in regions with low vaccination rates.
The Ministry of Health has urged parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and report any suspected polio cases to the nearest health facility or hotline.
Mrs. Mary Muthoni Muriuki, the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Health said a follow-up immunization campaign is planned for April 2025 to ensure maximum coverage and protection against the virus.
Public health officials have encouraged community participation to safeguard children from the debilitating disease and ensure Kenya remains on track towards polio eradication.