Kenyans Online Reject Government’s Appeal for Blood Donation

Kenyans on social media have rejected the Ministry of Health’s appeal for blood donation amid a shortage in the country.

Through Twitter on Friday, the ministry invited Kenyans to donate blood in various stations across the country in a campaign aimed at restocking the drying blood bank.

“The situation of our blood bank in the country is challenging and we need your support to restock,” the ministry appealed.

But Kenyans on Twitter (KOT) dismissed the appeal, vowing not to take part in the exercise unless the ministry accounts for blood donated in the past.

Earlier this year, it emerged that blood donated by Kenyans for free was allegedly being sold in neighboring Somalia. 

It was alleged that officials from the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service were part of a cartel that had been siphoning blood donated by Kenyans and selling it in Somalia.

“The Ministry is aware that there are criminal elements both within and outside the country who are colluding with outsiders to escalate the problems pertaining to blood countrywide,” Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said in March.

“These cartels have been engaged in blood trade within as well as outside the country for selfish gain without any regard to women and children who are dying in hospitals as a result of this shortage.”

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) opened a probe into the matter but no arrests have been made up to date.

Here is what Kenyans online said;

Samson Maish said: “If you cannot be accountable for the blood we donated, why should we give you again? Sort your house first.”

Fredrick Amogola wrote: “We donate blood for free and Kenya officials who are paid by taxpayers money sell it for personal interest outside the country-this is more than impunity, hypocrisy, and corruption.”

Hellen G noted: “I always donate blood at least once a year but since blood is now being sold, I prefer responding to a stranger’s plea on social media. At least I get to go to the hospital to give blood to the specific person in need.”

Maina Mwangi stated: “The last time we heard about blood in your banks, it was being illegally sold to Somalia, I lost interest.”