CS DUALE COMMISSIONS REGIONAL BLOOD TRANSFUSION CENTRE IN GARISSA.

Residents of North Eastern and parts of Eastern Kenya are set to benefit from improved blood transfusion services after the government officially opened the Garissa Regional Blood transfusion Centre.

The new facility will serve counties including Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo, Lamu, Kitui and Tana River. Previously, blood collected in the region had to be transported to Nairobi for testing and screening, causing delays during emergencies.

Speaking during the launch, Health Cabinet Secretary described the Centre as a major step in improving healthcare services in the region.

“Today we have commissioned the state-of-the-art Garissa Regional Blood Transfusion Centre which will help save lives across the region,” said Duale.

He added, “Every unit of blood donated ensures that we save lives. Blood remains one of the most essential and irreplaceable health products in our healthcare system.”

According to the Ministry of Health, Kenya requires about 500,000 units of blood annually, but the country often faces shortages due to low donation rates. Experts say safe blood is important in treating accident victims, mothers during childbirth, children with anemia, and patients undergoing surgery.

The new Centre has the capacity to store more than 600 units of blood and is expected to improve emergency response and patient care.

Garissa Governor urged residents to support voluntary blood donation drives.

“Too many lives are lost because blood is not available when it is needed most,” said Jama. “We must strengthen voluntary blood donation so that no life is lost due to shortages.”