Kenya has received 880,460 Moderna vaccines from the US Government.
The vaccines which arrived at JKIA at 6.15 am today, marked the first stock of the two shipments expected.
This is the first time that Moderna vaccines have been received in Kenya.
The vaccines were donated through the Covax facility and transported by UNICEF.
The vaccines were received at the airport by government officials who were led by Health PS Susan Mochache and CAS Dr Mercy Mwangangi.
The other officials who were present include US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Eric Kneedler, Unicef Representative to Kenya Maniza Zaman and World Health Organization Officer in Charge, Health System Cluster Lead Dr Mona Almudhwahi.
“This donation builds on the United States partnership with the Government of Kenya in response to COVID-19. These life-saving vaccines will fill an important need at a critical time in Kenya’s fight against this pandemic,” Eric Kneedler said.
As of now, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has authorized the use of six coronavirus vaccines for emergency use, inclusive of AstraZeneca and Moderna.
Health PS Susan Mochache acknowledged the generosity from the US Government, noting that it will help Kenya achieve its vaccination target by the end of the year.
“We are very grateful to the US Government for this generous donation of Moderna vaccines. This will greatly support the ongoing rollout of Kenya’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign and help us reach the target announced by President Kenyatta to vaccinate 10 million Kenyans by the end of December 2021,” Mochache said.
She urged Kenyans to receive the jabs as they are safe and effective.
“Vaccination is now open to all Kenyans over the age of 18. I would like to emphasize that all WHO and government of Kenya approved vaccines, including the AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines, are safe and effective.”
By Everlyne Bosibori
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