The controversial Russian vaccine, Sputnik-V has secretly found its way in the Kenyan territory and is currently sold by its distributors at Ksh 11, 000 to those who can afford it. The vaccine is one of the three whose efficacy is above 90 percent and has been rated at 91.6, by Lancet Kenya.
According to communication between some top MOH officials, Unisel and Harleys are listed as local distributors of the controversial vaccine. The two entities were appointed by Dinlas EPZ, an establishment having a long history with the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Moscow.
“This application for distributorship is yet to be approved by PPB, a technical agreement stipulating the responsibilities of all the parties has not been submitted to PPB, the persons and entities are being summoned to appear before the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB),” the communication read in part.
On March 10th, Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the country’s sovereign wealth fund, announced the approval of the use of Sputnik V in Kenya on its official website.
“With the authorization of Sputnik V in Kenya there are now 10 African nations that have registered the Russian vaccine. Sputnik V is approved in 47 countries around the world with more registrations expected in coming weeks. It is truly a vaccine for all humankind and one of the best solutions to fight the pandemic,” Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund said.
