The government targets to collect 500 thousand units of blood annually to meet the growing demand.
Principal Secretary State Department of Medical Services Harry Kimtai says the government has increased funding for the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Service from 600 million shillings to 1 billion shillings for the year 2023/2024.
Speaking while flagging off 150 thousand blood bags and essential supplies to six regional blood centers and forty-three blood satellites to the counties, the PS said to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety the government has put in place 6 regional centers of excellence reference laboratories.
He further noted they have enhanced cold storage facilities from 18000 units to 80000 units.
Kimtai said the Kenya blood management information system DAMU KE which is available on the Ecitizen platform has streamlined the registration process for blood donors as it has achieved efficiency and accountability for donated blood and blood components.
Blood ambassadors led by the Kenyan by Blood Foundation Patron Charlene Ruto have also called on Kenyans to voluntarily come out and donate blood so that the country can hit the World Health Organization recommended target of 1% of the population save.
