This powerful episode, produced in honour of Immunization Week 2025, brings together voices from different walks of life to discuss Kenya’s immunization landscape the progress, the gaps, and the way forward. Mercy Wanjiku.N, Programs Officer at AYARHEP, underscores the critical role of communities in health systems.

She emphasizes the need for public participation in decision-making, the responsibility of individuals to learn and educate others through platforms like social media, and the importance of strengthening information flow to combat myths and misinformation around vaccines.

Catherine Muendo, a young mother, shares a deeply personal account of her experience with a two-week delay in accessing the BCG vaccine for her newborn. While the baby eventually received the vaccine without complications, the experience exposed systemic gaps in vaccine availability and maternal confidence in healthcare systems.

Her story is a heartfelt reminder that access to timely immunisation is not just a policy issue; it’s a matter of trust and care for every mother and child.

David Baka, Communications Officer at HENNET, reflects on Kenya’s evolving funding model as the country surpasses the GAVI eligibility threshold. With external donor support gradually reducing, he calls on the government to prioritize sustainable domestic financing for immunization programs.

David also urges greater male involvement in health advocacy and stresses the importance of building public trust by ensuring accurate, consistent messaging, particularly on the quality and safety of vaccines across all health facilities.

This episode is a call to action: for communities to get involved, for governments to act with urgency, and for every individual to take responsibility. Because building a healthier future begins with informed choices, collective commitment, and inclusive, resilient health systems.