Okenyuri seeks statement on status of polio vaccines

Senate Health Committee member Esther Okenyuri aduring a probe on the alleged irregularities in the procument of longlasting insecticidal nets at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) at KICC, Nairobi on June 8, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] 

Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri has sought a statement from the Senate Health Committee regarding the safety, efficacy and side effects of polio vaccines administered in Kenya.

Okenyuri wants the Committee chaired by Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago to provide a detailed report on current status of the polio vaccination campaign across the country, specifying the number of children vaccinated in each county and particulars of the vaccines administered.

The Senator wants the committee to provide information on the adverse effects, if any, of the polio vaccines administered recently by the Ministry of Health and measures taken to ensure vaccine safety and risks identified and quantified against potential benefits.

“I would like the Senate Health Committee to outline measures the Government is taking to prevent the emergence of preventable diseases in light of the rising vaccine hesitancy in the country,” said Okenyuri.

The Nominated Senate seeking information on existing donor financing arrangements between the Ministry of Health and development partners, particularly provision of vaccines and other essential medical commodities.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said that the statement sought by Okenyuri was timely.

Cherargei asked the Senate Health Committee to update the House on Social Health Authority (SHA) since most Kenyans are having challenges registering.

 “We are being told there is a breakdown to access this service, the Senate Health Committee should brief the house on the status of the rollout of SHA and SHIF across our Level 5 and Level 2 hospitals and their registration,” he said.

The Nandi Senator lauded the Government’s plan to transition all National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) employees to SHA.

“We need clarity because we see in the news many Kenyans complaining that they cannot access SHA services in the various hospitals they visit, It is unfortunate, this must be addressed as an issue of national concern,” he said.