Residents of the northeastern and parts of the eastern regions seeking blood transfusion services have every reason to smile after the government officially opened the Garissa regional blood transfusion center, which will bring services close to the people.
Earlier on, blood collected in the region had to be transported to Nairobi for testing and screening, which posed a major challenge during emergency situations and delayed patient care.
Speaking during the official commissioning of the facility, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said that the center was a game changer for the local residents, as it would significantly reduce turnaround times, strengthen emergency response, improve patient outcomes, and enhance healthcare delivery across the region.
Duale said that the government was committed to ensuring that no life is lost due to avoidable circumstances, including lack of access to blood for transfusion.
“Today we have commissioned the state-of-the-art Garissa Regional Blood Transfusion Centre, which will cover five counties including Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Isiolo, Lamu, Kitui, and Tana River. And as we commemorate the World Blood Donor Day, I want to thank all those who donated blood to save lives,” he said.
“Every unit of blood donated ensures that we save lives. Blood is the most precious resource in our healthcare. It remains one of the most essential and irreplaceable health products in our healthcare system,” added the CS.
With a capacity to store over 600 units of blood, the facility is set to strengthen regional preparedness and ensure a more reliable supply for health facilities and emergency situations.
Garissa governor Nathif Jama, on his part, noted that the new facility would improve blood collection, testing, storage, and distribution, hence ensuring timely access to safe blood across the region.
Jama further called for strengthening of the voluntary blood donation drives to ensure there were no shortages, which would then lead to loss of lives.
“As we join the global community in commemorating World Blood Donor Day this June 14, 2026, we celebrate the heroes among us, those who give the gift of life through voluntary blood donation. Every unit of blood donated has the power to save up to three lives. It is a lifeline for mothers in childbirth, children battling anemia, accident victims, patients undergoing surgery, and those fighting chronic illnesses.”
In arid and semi-arid regions, access to safe and adequate blood remains a challenge. Too many lives are lost because blood is not available when it is needed most. That is why today is not just a celebration but a call to action. We must strengthen voluntary blood donation so that no life is lost due to shortages,” the governor added.
By Erick Kyalo
