By Jerry Omondi
The number of COVID-19 vaccines administered in Kenya has surpassed the 5.3 million mark, as the country’s health ministry continues with the national inoculation drive.
Figures published by the ministry on Sunday showed that the East African country had administered a total of 5,307, 181 vaccines, with the number of fully vaccinated persons being 1,627,206.
Kenya rolled out its vaccination drive in March, initially targeting groups considered at high risk, including the elderly, health care workers and persons with underlying health conditions.
The vaccination drive was complemented by government-imposed containment measures, including a nationwide nighttime curfew, a ban on large public gatherings and the mandatory wearing of face masks.
Kenya however recently saw a decline in its caseload, prompting President Uhuru Kenyatta in mid-October to ease the restrictions. He lifted the curfew and allowed sports fans to attend events in stadiums with adherence to the health protocols.
Kenya has so far recorded 253,310 COVID-19 infections with 5,281 fatalities.