This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
As of 2018/19, Kenya's National Blood Transfusion Services (KNBTS) collected only 164,000 units of blood, a far cry from the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommended amount.
However, the available supply was quickly devoured by blood cartels, exacerbating the crisis. The situation has been further complicated by the recent loss of Sh850 million in annual funding from the United States through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Corruption within the system has been a major contributor to the blood shortage, with some officials allegedly selling blood to neighbouring countries. The selfish actions of these officials have turned blood transfusion services into a lucrative business at the expense of suffering Kenyans.
Many Kenyans have lost loved ones due to the unavailability of blood, while others have been forced to purchase blood at exorbitant prices. The government must take urgent action to address the shortcomings in the blood transfusion services and ensure that public resources are used for the greater good.
A thorough investigation into the alleged corruption and misappropriation of public resources is necessary to bring those responsible to justice. The government must also deploy competent and trustworthy officials to manage the blood banks and allocate sufficient funds to support the National Blood Transfusion Services.
