CS Duale Commissions Northern Regional Blood Transfusion Centre in Garissa
Garissa, - The Government has strengthened access to safe blood and blood products in North Eastern Kenya following the commissioning of the Northern Regional Blood Transfusion Centre at Garissa County Referral Hospital by Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale during the 2026 World Blood Donor Day celebrations.
The Cabinet Secretary also launched the national Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Blood, Blood Components and Blood Products, aimed at promoting the safe, efficient and evidence-based use of blood and blood products across the country.
The newly operational Centre marks a significant step in expanding blood transfusion services in the region. It will serve Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, and parts of Isiolo and Kitui counties, bringing critical blood screening, processing and storage services closer to communities and health facilities.
Previously, blood collected in the region had to be transported to Nairobi for screening and processing, often resulting in delays in emergency response and patient care. The new facility is expected to significantly reduce turnaround times, improve access to safe blood, strengthen emergency preparedness and enhance healthcare outcomes across the region.
Equipped with an advanced Abbott Alinity analyser for screening transfusion-transmissible infections, the Centre has the capacity to test more than 40,000 units of blood annually and store over 600 units of blood, ensuring a more reliable supply for hospitals and emergency situations.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Duale noted that strengthening blood transfusion services remains a key priority in improving healthcare delivery and supporting Universal Health Coverage. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding the national blood transfusion network through continued investment in Regional Blood Transfusion Centres and satellite blood banks across the country.
The Cabinet Secretary commended development partners for their contribution to the project, noting that the Ministry of Health and its partners jointly invested nearly KSh100 million towards the construction, renovation, equipping and operationalisation of the facility.
In addition, Hon. Duale flagged off seven modern obstetric theatre beds donated through the support of the World Health Organization (WHO). The beds are part of a consignment of 108 units being distributed to 15 counties to strengthen emergency obstetric care and improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
The event was attended by the Director of the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services, Dr. Martin Sirengo; Director of Family Health, Dr. Bashir Issak; Secretary Administration at the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Adan Harakhe; and was hosted by Garissa County Governor Nathif Jama alongside other national and county leaders.