With only three days to the end of 2021, Kenya is set to fall short on the World Health Organization (WHO) target of fully vaccinating at least 40 per cent of its population against COVID-19.

By Tuesday, 28 Dec, on 14 per cent of the East African country's population of about 52 million had completed their vaccine regiments.

Figures published by the health ministry showed that some 9,614,364 vaccines had so far been administered across the country. Of these, 5,656,859 were partially vaccinated while those fully vaccinated were 3,957,505.

The Kenyan government is keen to vaccinate more people with the aim of better protecting the public from the disease.

The health ministry last week announced strict restrictions limiting public movements for unvaccinated persons.

Health Chief Administrative Secretary, Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, announced that proof of vaccination will be required in public places such as national parks, game reserves, hotels, bars and restaurants. Public transport operators will also be required to demand vaccination proof for all travelers.

Health minister Mutahi Kagwe echoed the directive in a media briefing on Monday, telling Kenyans: "For you to go out to public places, please get vaccinated."

So far, Kenya has recorded 285,654 COVID-19 infections with 5,364 fatalities.