This archive report was first published on 29 November 2019.
As of November 29, 2019, Kenya is facing a severe blood shortage, with several counties including Nakuru, Machakos, Garissa, and Kisumu reporting a significant decline in blood reserves.
The situation has been worsened by a disagreement between the National Council of Community Based Organisations and the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS) over a blood drive in Nakuru County.
According to Tom Ausa, the president of the National Council of Community Based Organisations, KNBTS denied them permission to conduct the blood drive, citing a lack of adherence to proper procedure.
However, the council claims to have written to Dr. Frida Govedi of KNBTS, seeking clarification on the required procedure, but received no response.
The blood drive in Nakuru was intended to boost the county's blood bank reserve, following a similar drive in Machakos County.
KNBTS, which has been Kenya's sole blood bank, has been struggling since the withdrawal of PEPFAR funding, leading to a shortage of reagents, tubes, and blood bags.
As a result, individuals are reportedly pushing blood to certain hospitals, earning commissions in the process, while those who cannot afford this 'habit' are left without blood reserves.
A pint of blood can cost between Ksh.6,000 to Ksh.17,000, making it a lucrative business for some.
One such individual is Felix Juma, who was unable to access blood transfusion at the Kenyatta National Hospital, despite his relatives donating blood on his behalf.
As a result, Felix has torn apart his blood transfusion card, citing the lack of access to blood when needed.
Efforts to have the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service funded by the exchequer are facing opposition, reportedly due to concerns that it would curtail the side dealings of individuals.
