Kenya’s national blood supply boosted as Terumo opens Africa hub in Nairobi

The facility, launched by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, will serve Kenya and the wider East Africa region by training clinicians, lab technologists and biomedical engineers in automated blood processing and apheresis technologies.

Kenya’s national blood supply remains below demand. According to estimates aligned to World Health Organization guidance, the country requires about 500,000 blood units annually, a target it has yet to consistently meet.

Health specialists say automation could improve how existing donations are processed and used. Kenya is currently implementing Terumo Corporation whole blood automation systems as part of efforts to modernize transfusion services and improve quality control.

The new regional training centre plans to offer hands-on instruction on equipment operation, quality standards and maintenance, with participants drawn from Kenya and neighbouring countries.

The official opening was presided over by the Kenya Investment Authority through director Guracha Adi, who said the investment supports Kenya’s push to strengthen medical infrastructure and grow its profile as a regional hub for health technology and specialised training.

The event was attended by Toshiaki Takagi, Antoinette Gawin, alongside medical professionals and health financing partners involved in discussions on blood safety and sickle cell disease management held from December 1 to 3.

Executives from the group described the investment as part of their long-term engagement strategy in Africa, emphasizing training and local technical support for sustainable use of its systems.

Kenya has prioritised improved blood processing under its broader Universal Health Coverage commitments, which focus on expanding essential health services and strengthening care standards.