In April 2025, vaccine shortages forced Kenyan families to cross borders for routine shots. The Global Health Advocacy Incubator's new podcast episode explores what went wrong—and the solutions that can keep immunization systems strong and children protected. Tune in: https://www.advocacyincubator.org/one-shot-long-life/episode-6-reversing-kenyas-vaccine-stockouts
Picture this: you're a parent in Kenya. Your child needs routine vaccines — shots that should always be available at your local clinic. But when you arrive, they're out of stock, and the only option is to travel across the border into Uganda just to keep your child safe from preventable diseases.
That's not a "what if." It actually happened. In April 2025, vaccine stockouts hit 12 Kenyan counties — and families were left scrambling. This is exactly the crisis we unpack in the latest episode of "One Shot, Long Life!," brought to you by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator.
We take you straight into the reality behind Kenya's vaccine shortages — how supply chain bottlenecks and budget delays created a perfect storm, despite the country's 127 billion shilling health budget.
You'll hear from Hon. James Nyikal, a medical doctor and member of Parliament's Health Committee, and Faith Ndungu from HENNET's advocacy team. Together, they shed light on what really went wrong, from clinics forced to turn mothers away, to families crossing borders for basic immunizations. And they spell out the serious risks: measles outbreaks, polio-related disabilities, and the loss of hard-won health progress.
We also tackle what's next as Kenya prepares to transition from Gavi support in 2029. Can social health insurance models fill the gap? What reforms are on the table? You'll hear legislative proposals, real advocacy wins — like the Kenya Women's Parliamentary Association securing Gavi co-financing — and strategies that can make vaccine financing sustainable long term.
And it's not all grim news: Kenya still maintains over 80 percent national immunization coverage, and partnerships like the Kenya Bio-Vaccines Institute with KEMRI are pushing local vaccine production forward.
This episode is packed with lessons and actionable insights for health advocates and policymakers across Africa and beyond. Don't miss it. Tune in now by clicking on the link in the description. Global Health Advocacy Incubator City: Washington Address: 1400 I Street Northwest Website: https://www.advocacyincubator.org/