New Blood Donation Initiative Launched Across Counties

A renewed national push to increase Kenya’s blood supply has been rolled out across multiple counties, marking one of the most ambitious blood donation initiatives in recent years. Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha announced that the Ministry of Health has successfully established blood collection satellite centres in all 47 counties, a move aimed at bringing donation services closer to communities and reducing reliance on centralized blood banks.
In a high-profile drive in Meru County, Governor Isaac Mutuma led public officials and county employees in a 30-day blood-donation campaign in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross Society. The campaign was conceived in response to critically low blood reserves at the Meru Blood Transfusion Centre, with county leaders calling on residents to become regular donors.
In Samburu County, the blood drive took on special significance during the World Blood Donor Day celebrations. The event, presided over by CS Duale, formally launched the Samburu Blood Satellite Centre and celebrated community health promoters, who are being mobilized to advocate for sustained donations.
Other counties are also playing a part: Garissa County conducted a Garissa for Garissa two-day drive led by the Kenya Red Cross and local partners, which saw hundreds of residents step forward to replenish the county’s blood supplies.
Health officials say the initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize Kenya’s blood-transfusion system, improve safety, and ensure that all hospitals have a reliable reserve — especially in emergencies and for high-risk patients.