Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has hailed the establishment of the Northern Regional Blood Transfusion Centre in Garissa.
CS Duale said the approximately KSh 100 million joint investment by development partners will expand access to safe blood and improve emergency healthcare across North Eastern Kenya.
He spoke during the 2026 World Blood Donor Day celebrations at Garissa County Referral Hospital on Sunday. CS Duale said the new facility marks a major step towards decentralising blood screening and processing services.
He noted that the centre will serve Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River and parts of Isiolo and Kitui counties, reducing reliance on facilities in Nairobi.
“By eliminating the need to transport blood samples to Nairobi for screening and processing, the Centre will significantly reduce turnaround times, strengthen emergency response and improve patient outcomes,” he said.
The facility is equipped with modern screening technology and expanded storage capacity and is expected to process more than 40,000 blood units annually.
Duale said the centre will enhance the region’s preparedness to respond to medical emergencies while supporting treatment for mothers with childbirth complications, accident victims, surgical patients and others requiring urgent transfusions.
He also launched the Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Blood, Blood Components and Blood Products, describing them as key to promoting safe and efficient use of blood in health facilities.
The Cabinet Secretary commended development partners for their contribution to the project, saying “the KSh 100 million investment reflects a shared commitment to equitable access to quality healthcare and will help save countless lives across the region.”
