Nairobi, Nyeri lead in Covid jab uptake

Nairobi, Nyeri and Uasin Gishu counties have registered the highest proportion of fully vaccinated people in the country.

On the other hand, Marsabit, Wajir and Tana River have the lowest proportion of people fully vaccinated, with each recording less than one per cent.

According to data released by the Ministry of Health yesterday, Nairobi had the highest with 8.5 per cent while Nyeri and Uasin Gishu scored 6.3 per cent and 4.8 per cent.

Laikipia is fourth with 4.4 per cent followed by Nakuru, Nyandarua and Embu with 4 per cent, 3.9 per cent and 3.5 per cent respectively.

“As of August 24, a total of 1,794,369 persons were vaccinated with their first dose and 791,295 with second dose targeting front line workers, teachers, security officers and those above 58 years of age,” the Ministry said.

As at August 24, only 25 per cent of the population had been fully vaccinated.

The data comes as it emerged that close to 300,000 people have been vaccinated since Friday last week as Kenyans rush to get the life-saving Covid-19 jab amid spiraling infections.

Data from the Ministry of Health showed that on Monday and Tuesday alone, a total of 154,433 people were vaccinated across the country.

On Tuesday 72,760 first doses and 3,826 second doses were administered, an increase from 64,353 first doses and 3,494 doses administered on Monday.

Rapid spread

Last Friday, about 80,000 people were vaccinated with the first and second dose.

Head of national Covid-19 Vaccine Deployment Task Force Dr. Willis Akhwale attributed the rush for the vaccine in various parts of the country to the recent spike in infections which has sent shockwaves in a population which had hitherto showed reluctance to take the jab.

“May be people are coming to appreciate the value of vaccines,” Dr  Akhwale said on Tuesday during a media round-table on Covid-19 multiple vaccination deployment plan.

He cited the rapid spread of Covid-19 variants which have ravaged parts of Western Kenya, Nairobi and Kiambu for the high demand for the vaccine.

By gender, 56 per cent of those vaccinated with the first dose were males and 44 per cent were female and for the second dose, some 55 per cent were males and 45 per cent females.

The data also showed the proportion of health workers who were fully vaccinated by August 24 were the highest at 66.2 per cent.

They were followed by those above 58 years at 59.2 per cent, then security workers with 49.4 per cent, teachers with 40.8 per cent and other groups at 30.8 per cent.

From all the groups, none has met the targets thus far given that 132,353 health workers have so far been fully vaccinated against a 208,418 target, some 330,671 teachers are earmarked but 120,152 have received.

Some 2.5 million people aged 58 and above were targeted to get the jab but 237,050 have complied.

The total number of people who have taken the AstraZeneca vaccine is 2,585,664 while 1,858 others have taken the Sputnik vaccine, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the country to 2,587,522.