Hon. John Kagucha raises alarm regarding acute shortage of blood testing kits in the country

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚r𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 

Mukuruweini MP, Hon. John Kaguchia has raised alarm over an acute shortage of blood testing kits in the country, warning that the crisis could lead to increased fatalities among patients in need of transfusions.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Hon. Kaguchia requested a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health, citing concerns over the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS) running low on essential laboratory reagents and blood bag kits.

"The lack of testing kits has resulted in the wastage of donated blood, a critical resource in healthcare," the legislator stated. "If this issue is not urgently addressed, it will severely impact the supply of screened blood across the country, putting lives at risk."

The Mukuruweini legislator demanded that the government provide a report on measures taken to avert the crisis and ensure the availability of adequate blood screening kits. 

"What immediate measures is the government taking to ensure uninturrupted provision of screened blood for transfusion to patients, especially those in current need and the long-term measures being put in place to mitigate the risk and ensure constant supply of essential medical testing kits, " asked Hon. Kaguchia 

The lawmaker also sought details on measures put in place to adequately facilitate the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service to carry out its mandate

Hon. Kaguchia expressed the urgency in resolving the blood screening kits, "Hon. Speaker this is an urgent matter that should not wait. The Cabinet Secretary for Health needs to provide a response as soon as possible. The shortage affects millions of Kenyans."

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Moses Wetang'ula directed the Committee on Health to provide a response on Tuesday, 1st April 2025.