Duale: Blood services to remain under govt control
By Cynthia Lodite, September 5, 2025The Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary has reaffirmed to Kenyans that blood services will remain under government control and that they will not be commercialized at any point.
The CS made his remarks on Friday, September 5, 2025, after he hosted a delegation from the Indu Research Foundation and the Chandaria Foundation.
At the time of the discussion, the Health CS said the ministry’s discussion with the research team is mainly focused on infrastructure upgrades, capacity building, and donor recruitment to ensure a safe, sustainable, and self-reliant system rooted in equity and solidarity.
“Discussions focused on infrastructure upgrades, capacity building, and donor recruitment to ensure a safe, sustainable, and self-reliant system rooted in equity and solidarity. I reaffirmed that blood services remain under government control and will never be commercialized,” Duale said.
Meanwhile, while maintaining the Health Ministry’s position, Duale also revealed that the delegation led by Dr. Vijay Shah is set to explore partnerships in strengthening Kenya’s blood system under the transformative health agenda.
“Hosted a delegation from the Indu Research Foundation and the Chandaria Foundation, led by Dr. Vijay Shah, to explore partnerships in strengthening Kenya’s blood system under our transformative health agenda,” Duale said.
Likewise, others present in the discussion included PS Public Health, Ms. Mary Muthoni, DG Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and Dr. Mamo Omuro, Division Head, and Kenya National Blood Transfusion Services.
“It is a public good, safeguarded for all Kenyans. I was joined in the meeting by PS Public Health, Ms. Mary Muthoni; DG Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth; and Dr. Mamo Omuro, Division Head, Kenya National Blood Transfusion Services, among others,” Duale said.
World Blood Day
Duale’s remark follows his recent visit to Samburu during the World Blood Day celebrations.
At the time, the Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale officially launched a satellite blood center at Samburu County referral hospital as part of the efforts to improve access to safe blood and enhance emergency medical services across the country.
This year’s theme, “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives,” emphasizes the collective impact of blood donation in patient care and community health.
Meanwhile, according to the Health CS, the new facility is expected to strengthen regional capacity for blood collection, screening, storage, and distribution, reducing delays in transfusion services and improving preparedness for medical emergencies.