By Jerry Omondi
The number of fully vaccinated people in Kenya rose by 19,040 over the past 24 hours as the country continues its nationwide COVID-19 inoculation drive.
With the increase, the total number of complete vaccinations stands at 3,572,863 from a total of 8,861,039 vaccine doses administered so far.
Kenya’s mass vaccination drive is currently on its tenth month, having been launched in March.
The drive initially targeted persons considered to be among high-risk groups, including the elderly, persons with underlying health conditions and essential workers including healthcare staff and security personnel.
The government has since opened up the inoculations to all adults as it seeks to better protect the public from the virus.
The country has seen a recent spike in new infections, causing concern as the peak of the festive period approaches.
So far, Kenya has recorded 263,707 confirmed COVID-19 infections from a total of 2,930,320 tests conducted since the onset of the pandemic.
The East African country has also registered cases of the new Omicron strain which began in Southern Africa in November.
The health ministry has urged everyone who is eligible to take the jabs to do so to, but is also insisting on adherence to the laid out health protocols aimed at curbing further spread of the virus, including hand hygiene, wearing of face coverings and avoiding large gatherings.
