The Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman) has given the Ministry of Health seven days to explain reports that public health facilities across Kenya are running low on Vitamin A supplements.
The Commission said the shortage has left children unable to access the nutrient during routine immunization visits, raising concerns about potential risks to child health.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ombudsman highlighted media reports indicating that children visiting health facilities for immunization and supplementation services have been turned away without receiving Vitamin A in several parts of the country.
“The reports indicate that children presenting at health facilities for routine immunization and supplementation services have been unable to receive Vitamin A due to stock-outs in several parts of the country,” the Commission said.
Vitamin A supplementation is a critical preventive public health measure, the statement added, noting its role in reducing child illness and death, strengthening immunity, and preventing complications such as severe infections and visual impairment among children under five years of age.
“Vitamin A supplementation is a critical preventive public health intervention that helps reduce child morbidity and mortality, strengthen immunity, and prevent complications such as severe infections and visual impairment among children under five years of age,” the statement read.
The Commission warned that prolonged shortages could have serious implications for child health outcomes nationwide.
“Any prolonged disruption in its availability poses significant risks to child health outcomes,” the Ombudsman noted.
The watchdog reminded the Ministry of Health of constitutional guarantees that ensure access to healthcare and protection of children’s welfare. It cited Article 43(1)(a), which guarantees every person “the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including the right to healthcare services,” and Article 53(1)(c), which affirms every child’s right to “basic nutrition, shelter, and healthcare.”
“If substantiated, the reported shortage may amount to a limitation of these constitutional rights,” the Commission warned.
The Ombudsman also referred to the Health Act, 2017, under Section 5, which requires both national and county governments to provide accessible, acceptable, and quality health services, including essential medicines and health products.
The Commission has asked the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards to clarify whether a shortage currently exists and how widespread it is across counties. Officials have also been asked to explain what factors led to the reported stock-outs, including potential procurement, funding, supply chain, or distribution challenges.
Further, the Ministry has been required to detail the measures being taken to restore supply to affected facilities and explain how it will prevent similar shortages in the future.
“Given the serious public health implications involved, particularly with regard to the rights of children under Article 53 of the Constitution of Kenya, the Commission has requested a response within seven days,” the statement concluded.
