Several groups have criticized Kenya’s proposed Sh6.7 billion Mpox response fund, calling it insufficient and poorly prioritized.
They highlighted the absence of funds for vaccine procurement in the proposed budget and urged the government to redirect allocations towards essential areas such as vaccine acquisition, advanced diagnostic tools, and community education.
The government plans to allocate Sh800 million for temporary isolation spaces and Sh91 million for healthcare worker training. The remaining funds are earmarked for screening, personal protective equipment (PPE) procurement, and community-based surveillance.
“Mpox could follow a trajectory similar to Covid-19. Today’s five reported cases could escalate to thousands, just as one Covid case led to over 300,000 infections and nearly 6,000 deaths. We must take action now to prevent this,” warned Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui, country program director at AHF Kenya, during a media briefing in Nairobi.
However, the World Health Organization has repeatedly stated that, regardless of the strain, Mpox is not comparable to Covid, as authorities have effective measures to control its spread. Public Health PS Mary Muthoni confirmed that Kenya has reported only five Mpox cases, one each in Taita Taveta, Busia, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru, all of which have since recovered.
Muthoni emphasized the Ministry of Health’s efforts to enhance preparedness at all border points in collaboration with county governments and key stakeholders. “Our borders are the frontline in disease prevention. Early detection, swift containment, and effective inter-agency coordination are crucial for managing public health threats like Mpox,” she stated during a recent visit to the Namanga border.
Of the proposed Sh6.7 billion, Sh10 million is designated for screening at border points.
During the media briefing, civil society organizations urged the WHO to expedite the review and approval of alternative Mpox vaccines to improve affordability and accessibility by increasing the number of manufacturers. Currently, the only available vaccine, MVA-BN, costs Sh12,900 per dose, which is prohibitively expensive for many.
Dr. Kinyanjui emphasized the urgent need to address these high costs through technology transfers and patent waivers to enable regional vaccine production. “These measures will boost vaccine supply, lower costs, and enhance the global response to Mpox,” he said.
James Kamau from the Kenya Treatment Access Movement urged the government to prioritize funding and accountability. “We are calling on the Kenyan government to allocate specific funds for disaster management, including pandemics. The National Treasury developed a Disaster Management Fund in 2022, but it remains unoperational,” he said.
As Kenya moves toward universal health coverage and the establishment of the Social Health Authority, Kamau highlighted the need to address disaster management.
Faith Ndung’u, advocacy manager of the Health NGOs’ Network, emphasized the importance of involving civil society in the response. “Collective action is vital. As civil society and communities, we play a crucial role in prevention, referrals, and awareness, and we urge the Ministry of Health to empower us in these efforts.”
Nephak, the association for Kenyans affected by HIV, called on the government to prioritize community awareness and vaccine access, particularly for vulnerable populations like those living with HIV. “Mpox poses a serious risk to our communities, especially to children living with HIV. Enhancing community education on Mpox can help mitigate fear, anxiety, and misinformation,” said Nelson Otwoma, head of Nephak.
