The elite, including politicians, Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries, have been placed on the priority list to receive the Covid-19 vaccine expected in the country tomorrow.

It emerged President Uhuru Kenyatta and senior government officials including CSs, PSs and politicians are lined up among the first people to be vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.

The first batch of the vaccine, which will be administered at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) this weekend, targets priority groups like frontline health workers, teachers and members of the disciplined forces.

Because of their responsibilities, these groups are considered at high risk of getting coronavirus; hence their being accorded preference to access the vaccine that is in limited supply.

However, it has emerged that authorities have widened the scope of recipients, raising questions whether some deserving cases might miss out on the crucial drug needed to protect them in the course of their duty.

The government expects the first batch of the vaccine – 1,020,000 doses of AstraZeneca – from Serum Institute of India at mid night. Each person will receive at least two doses.

A highly-placed health official confirmed that some politicians have been scheduled to receive the jab in the first phase alongside health workers.

“You know some with their positions, they just have to get the Covid-19 jab because they are closer to power and also because they are in the fore-front in the system,” said the officials who sought anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

Initially, politicians had not been listed among the ‘at risk’ population, rising questions about what has informed the change.

However, when reached for comment, Dr Willis Akhwale, the chairman of the coronavirus vaccine taskforce, explained if the politicians are doctors who directly see patients or under security forces, then they are eligible to get the vaccine.

“We have politicians who are doctors while others are security officers. These ones are eligible to get the vaccine but we expect them to be honest to themselves; if they are not practicing then they don’t need to come for the vaccine, purporting to be in the frontline yet we have more health workers in need of the vaccine,” Dr Akhwale said.

Dr Akhwale urged Kenyans to understand that the first phase of vaccination will involve a few people because of the limited supply of the drug.

“What we need in this phase is discipline so that those who deserve the vaccine get it. We have so many people on the queue but we really have to be disciplined to achieve this,” he added.