By John Mugendi
A total of 15,000 people in Tharaka Nithi County are set to receive Covid-19 vaccination during the first drive.
Speaking during the launch of the exercise at Chuka County Referral Hospital on Tuesday, Governor Muthomi Njuki who was the first to receive the jab dismissed fears of its safety.
He said the government cannot allow a substance that can harm its citizens.
“This vaccination has been meticulously scrutinized by World Health Organisation (WHO) and found fit for use and there is no cause for alarm,” said Governor Njuki.
He said health workers will be the first to receive the jab to ensure that they are safe from the pandemic and together with the patients they handle.
County health executive, Dr Gichuyia Nthuraku who was also vaccinated among other senior health workers expressed concerns that Kenyans have for the last few months relaxed on observing Covoid-19 protocols resulting to a third wave of infection.
He said 18 people have died of the virus in the county since the outbreak last year and 229 recovered.
He added that currently, the county has 15 active cases, three in hospital and the rest recuperating at home.
Governor’s protocol, communication, and security officers were also vaccinated.
The vaccination exercise will also take place at Marimanti and Magutuni sub-county hospitals in Tharaka and Maara constituencies respectively.
