The Ministry of Health has said it will add people aged 58 years and above to the priority list in the Covid-19 vaccination exercise.

In the first phase of administering the jabs, the Ministry had initially prioritised health workers, security personnel, teachers and the clergy.

Noting that Kenya is currently experiencing the third wave of the pandemic, the Ministry said 58-year olds and above are at a higher risk of succumbing to Covid-19 infection. The population currently accounts for 60 per cent of the total Covid-19 fatalities, the Ministry said.

“In view of this surge of the pandemic, and in order to protect and save lives, the Ministry of Health has decided to immediately prioritize vaccinations of persons aged 58 years and above,” said the Health Ministry in a letter.

The Ministry also asked political, religious and community leaders to take the vaccine and boost confidence in the exercise among the rest of the population.