West Pokot County has stepped up efforts to improve childhood immunization coverage despite persistent challenges posed by nomadic lifestyles, insecurity, and the ongoing gold rush that continues to draw parents away from health facilities.
According to County Immunization Coordinator Richard Chemaringo, the number of immunization facilities has steadily grown since 2022, supported by the delivery of 99 new cold chain units across six sub-counties.
“Without cold chain storage, vaccines lose their effectiveness. With this capacity, we are now better placed to reach remote populations and expand immunization sites,” Chemaringo said.
The county has also strengthened its workforce by deploying new staff in remote areas, while partnerships have boosted outreach. Rotary supports 20 integrated outreaches every two weeks in Pokot North, combining immunization with nutrition services. In total, about 40 outreach sessions are currently being run across three sub-counties.
These efforts paid off during the recent Measles-Rubella and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine campaigns, where West Pokot surpassed national targets, reaching 107 percent coverage for measles-rubella and 92 percent for typhoid.
Despite this progress, challenges remain. In Kacheliba, families migrate across the Uganda border in search of pasture, while in Romus and Kambikarai, the gold rush has disrupted routine health services.
Insecurity and poor infrastructure are also factors that continue to hamper delivery.
County Health Executive Claire Parklea said the number of immunization facilities has increased from 134 to 154 through World Bank support.
She noted that more than 70 mobile clinics have been conducted with the help of partners, while the revived Big Catch-Up Initiative is helping restore momentum lost during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, Parklea warned that frequent shortages of vaccines and cultural barriers remain major setbacks. “Coverage declined sharply during the pandemic. While we see some recovery, too many children are still missing life-saving vaccines,” she said.
Immunization coverage in West Pokot stood at 49 percent in 2022, rose to 56 percent in 2023, but slipped slightly to 53 percent in 2024, well below the national average of 80 percent.
“Vaccines have saved countless lives. With expanded facilities, stronger partnerships, and innovative outreach, we are determined to ensure no child is left behind,” Parklea emphasized.
