Kenya is set to roll out whole blood automation technology as part of efforts to modernise its blood transfusion services and improve access to safe blood across the country.
Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai made the announcement during the Africa Technology Day hosted by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies in Nairobi.
Addressing delegates from across Africa and representatives from Terumo Corporation Japan, Kimtai emphasised the central role of blood in health systems strengthening.
He noted that timely access to safe blood can save lives in critical situations such as surgery, childbirth, cancer treatment, and the management of Sickle Cell Disease.
“Blood is a life-saving resource. Without it, many medical services would come to a halt,” Kimtai said.
“Through automation, we will improve the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of blood services in Kenya.”
The automation technology by Terumo will enable faster and higher-quality processing of donated blood, with the added benefit of reducing wastage.
Once fully deployed in Kenya’s regional blood centres, the technology will extend the shelf life of red blood cells from six days to 45 days and allow for frozen platelets to last up to two years.
Kimtai also acknowledged the progress made by countries like Zambia and Uganda in adopting modern blood technologies and called on other African nations to follow their example.
“Africa has an opportunity to leapfrog in technology, rather than follow traditional evolutionary paths,” he said.
He further appealed to the private sector, learning institutions, and the public to support voluntary blood donation and transition away from dependence on high school donors.
“Blood is a gift we all have — and one we can give freely to save lives,” he noted.
The event brought together stakeholders from across the continent to explore innovations in blood management, with Kenya positioning itself at the forefront of modernizing health systems in line with the Universal Health Coverage agenda.
