Kajiado Senator Kanar Seki has sounded the alarm over a shortage of blood collection bags at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), raising concerns about the impact on critical medical services.
On Thursday, March 19, the senator called for a statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Health, demanding urgent clarification on the situation at the country’s main referral hospital.
Seki noted that despite a steady flow of willing blood donors, collection efforts have stalled due to the lack of essential supplies, effectively crippling donation drives.
Senate Demands Explanation Over Disrupted Blood Donations at KNH. Photo: Courtesty.
He warned that the shortage is putting vulnerable patients at risk, including accident victims, mothers experiencing childbirth complications, surgical patients, and individuals managing chronic illnesses.
Seki went on to urge authorities to provide a comprehensive report on the availability of blood collection bags and related supplies, not only at KNH but across all public referral hospitals nationwide.
The senator further demanded data on the number of potential donors turned away due to the shortage, alongside an assessment of the disruption’s impact on patient care.
He also called for a clear explanation of the root cause of the crisis, including when the Ministry of Health first became aware of the supply gap.
In addition, the senator urged the committee to detail both immediate interventions and long-term strategies being implemented to resolve the shortage and prevent a recurrence.
