Launch of Kenya National Vaccination and Immunization Program (KeNVIP) portal

By: Prof Joseph Muliaro Wafula

The Kenya National Vaccination and Immunization Program (KeNVIP) portal was officially launched on 14 May by Cabinet Secretary Hon Aden Duale of the Ministry of Health. The portal represents a significant milestone in the digitalization of healthcare services in Kenya and demonstrates the power of technology-driven solutions in enhancing public health outcomes.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) provided the financial support to JKUAT https://www.jkuat.ac.ke/  for the development and implementation of a cloud-based centralized data repository and dashboards for effective and efficient decision-making. KeNVIP was developed to address critical data management challenges  such as lack of a centralized data repository and an integrated platform to consolidate multiple data sources and web/mobile applications used by NVIP partners. With KeNVIP, these challenges are now effectively addressed, leading to more streamlined immunization services, enhanced data accuracy, and improved decision-making processes.

The successful implementation of KeNVIP is a testament to the capabilities of local academic institutions in addressing national challenges through research, technology, and innovation.

JKUAT is pleased to partner with the government and will continue to avail its expertise to support government digitization and the implementation of its digital health strategy. JKUAT is the CODATA member organization for Kenya. KeNVIP portal development process made deliberate steps of implementing open data and open science best practices advocated by CODATA so as to serve as an example in Africa. The data repository component of KeNVIP is informed by FAIR principles especially with regard to data management and governance. Through Research and Development (R&D), JKUAT will ensure the sustainability of KeNVIP so that it serves Kenya and the region effectively in the long term. JKUAT appreciates the Ministry of Health, NVIP, Gavi, and UNICEF for entrusting JKUAT with this critical project. Their support and collaboration was instrumental in bringing this vision to reality.

The National Vaccine and Immunization Program (NVIP) needs a centralized data repository and a platform to integrate multiple sources of data. To address these challenges, NVIP, in partnership with Gavi and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), engaged Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)  to develop and implement a centralized data repository and dashboards. This collaboration resulted in the development of the KeNVIP platform, a cloud-based solution officially known as the Integrated Immunization Data Repository and Dashboard Portal for Decision Making. This platform is now accessible via the link: https://kenvip-home.jkuat.ac.ke/.

The National Vaccine and Immunization Program (NVIP) has, over the years, faced several challenges in managing immunization data. These challenges include:

• Lack of a centralized data repository, leading to fragmented and inconsistent data management;
• Absence of a comprehensive Logistics Management Information System (LMIS) to support efficient and effective decision-making;
• Lack of an integrated platform to consolidate multiple data sources and web/mobile applications used by NVIP partners.
• Lack of a Smart Learning system for Strengthening capacity building for NVIP staff that would for example remove boundaries and allow remote access to high-quality medical education via the internet; enable digitization of induction training courses and facilitation of strict compliance with standards and regulations through rolling out of compliance training in an engaging and flexible way.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective public health interventions in preventing infectious diseases, reducing child mortality, and improving overall population health. However, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and timeliness in the delivery of immunization services requires innovative solutions. The KeNVIP portal plays a pivotal role in addressing the abovementioned challenges and transforming Kenya’s immunization landscape by leveraging digital technology to enhance service delivery, strengthen data management, improve reporting, and ensure equitable access to vaccines across all counties.

This initiative is a testament to the Kenyan government’s commitment to digital transformation in healthcare. KeNVIP portal aligns with key national policies and legal frameworks, including:

• The Digital Health Act 2023, which provides a strong foundation for integrating digital solutions into Kenya’s healthcare system.
• The Kenya eHealth Policy 2016-2030, which underscores the role of ICT in improving healthcare services.
• The Ministry of Health eHealth Strategy 2016-2029, which emphasizes digital innovations for enhanced health service delivery.
• The Kenya National Community Health Digitization Strategy 2020-2025, which fosters digital health at the community level to strengthen primary healthcare.
• The National Vaccination and Immunization Program (NVIP) Strategic Plan, which seeks to improve immunization coverage through data-driven decision-making.

KeNVIP is a bold step towards how Kenya intents to manage immunization data and use it to inform timely decisions and deliver reliable quality immunization services across all levels of the  devolved healthcare system.

This is a significant milestone, but challenges remain. The digital divide remains a reality, with some regions still lacking the necessary infrastructure especially internet connectivity to fully benefit from digital healthcare solutions. Additionally, greater investment in digital health infrastructure is required to ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, benefit from these advancements. There is need to prioritize investment in digital health infrastructure, capacity building, and equitable access to digital tools to ensure no one is left behind while pursuing a stronger, data-driven healthcare system.

The summary of KeNVIP features and benefits are shown in Table 1

Table 1: KeNVIP Fatures and Benefits

	KeNVIP Feature	Benefits
1.	KeNVIP Portal	Hosting immunization supply chain data for NVIP Enabling integration and interoperability for NVIP support systems and applications eg DHIS2, Chanjo, NexLeaf Providing data storage, preservation, access, sharing and publication of data services Enabling smart learning/training/advocacy Providing role-based actionable dashboards Track vaccine Immunization defaulters and zero dose cases Home Page: KeNVIP Web Portal
2.	Data Repository	·Provide storage, preservation, access, sharing and publication of datasets, APIs and reports for all thematic areas. Data repository link: https://kenviprepository.jkuat.ac.ke/home
3.	Smart Learning System	Strengthens capacity building for NVIP, through the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences, in order to generate proficient professionals. Provides smart learning content creation authoring tools and the Smart Learning System environment. Supports and enables interactive digital content for trainees to study anywhere and anytime, and within conventional or blended teaching and learning environments. Supports development of interactive lessons including text, images, animations and videos. The Smart Learning System guides the learner to appropriate levels and materials depending on courses covered Smart Learning System: https://kenvipsmartlearning.jkuat.ac.ke/
4.	Data Indicator Dashboards	Enable timely and evidence-based decision making Support use of data for planning and management of operations Improve efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery NVIP Data Indicator Dashboards for decision making link: Indicator Dashboards – KeNVIP Web Portal
5.	Programmatic Data Indicator Dashboards	Use programmatic data and to build indicators for supporting routine Operational Data Dashboards – KeNVIP Web Portal
6.	Big-Catch-Up Indicators	Visualizing directly data captured in google forms Indicator Dashboards – KeNVIP Web Portal
7.	Defaulter Tracker Tool	Generating a digital child immunization record card independent of location and facility Keeping children vaccination records Enabling timely vaccination Supporting targeted reminders for vaccination Improving vaccination coverage Helping address the zero doze problem https://kenvip-home.jkuat.ac.ke:8881/home/
8.	Live Search	Search function ease means of finding results. KeNVIP provides live search for indicators and data. Indicator Dashboards – KeNVIP Web Portal
9.	Frequently Asked Questions & Answers	Frequently Asked Questions and Answers assist users find timely help: FAQs – KeNVIP Web Portal
10.	Integrated NVIP data sources	Integrates different sources of data eg APIs, CSVs, Excel Interoperability of data collected in KeNVIP data repository from various sources eg KHIS, Chanjo, NexLeaf, ODK
11.	Career Recruitment platform	Support job recruitment process Careers – KeNVIP Web Portal