By Maxwell Omondi and Alex Njeru
A sustained blood donation campaign led by Tharaka Nithi County’s department of Health and Medical Services in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society is sweeping through key towns in the region, aiming to bolster local blood reserves and support critical healthcare services.
The initiative, launched four years ago, continues to gain momentum as county health officials intensify efforts to ensure a steady and accessible blood supply across health facilities within and beyond the county.
Last week, the drive began in Chuka Town and moved on to Chogoria. This week, the campaign reached Ndagani market near Chuka University, with plans to head to Kibugua Market tomorrow.
In yesterday’s session in Ndagani market, 11 residents donated blood—a number health officials say, though modest, can still make a meaningful impact.
“We always say that even a single unit of blood is important,” said Mr. Moses Njiima, a Medical Laboratory Technology Officer and the lead coordinator of the initiative. “Each unit collected could mean the difference between life and death for a patient.”
Mr. Njiima noted that the primary goal is to ensure blood is readily available for all patients, particularly those with life-threatening conditions.
“We want to relieve patients from unnecessary suffering,” he added. “Our goal is to ensure that any patient, whether in Tharaka Nithi or elsewhere, can access blood when needed.”
The county’s strategy aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which recommend that countries collect blood equivalent to at least 1% of their population annually. With Tharaka Nithi’s population estimated at over 400,000, the county aims to collect approximately 4,000 units of blood per year.
“Our targets are based on the population we serve,” Mr. Njiima explained. “This allows for sustainable planning and ensures no patient is turned away due to blood shortages.”
Eligible donors include individuals aged 16 to 65 years, weighing at least 50 kilograms. Blood collected supports a variety of medical needs, including surgeries, maternity care, anemia treatment, and leukemia management.
The county also operates a satellite blood collection center at Chuka General Hospital, which accepts walk-in donors outside the mobile drive schedule. This center processes and distributes blood across the county’s health facilities.
The partnership with the Kenya Red Cross has been pivotal in providing logistical and technical support, especially in mobilizing communities and upholding safety standards.
“Let’s donate blood to help those who can’t afford it. Many patients in hospitals—strangers to us—depend on this simple act of kindness. You don’t have to be a doctor to save a life—just a willing donor.”
Local health officials expressed optimism about growing awareness and community participation. They emphasized the need for continued engagement, particularly in rural areas, where myths and misinformation can hinder voluntary blood donation.
As the mobile blood drives continue in the coming weeks, organizers hope to reach more residents and meet their annual targets. Through strengthened collaboration between county health departments and humanitarian partners like the Red Cross, Tharaka Nithi is steadily building a more resilient and responsive healthcare system—one drop at a time.
Elizabeth Angira 
Mt Kenya Times