Baraki ward MCA Haasan Geley donating blood.
Volunteers donating blood in Garissa on Saturday.
A volunteer donating blood in Garissa on Saturday.Stakeholders in Garissa this weekend united in a massive blood donation drive to address the county’s persistent blood shortage.
The two-day exercise, dubbed “Garissa for Garissa”, was held at Garissa Referral Hospital and spearheaded by the Kenya Red Cross (Garissa Branch), Udgoon Foundation, and the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service.
More than 50 pints were collected as hundreds of residents turned up to replenish dangerously low blood supplies.
Kenya Red Cross Garissa Branch Coordinator, Daud Ahmed, hailed the volunteers for their sacrifice, noting that blood donation is the “purest form of charity” and a symbol of solidarity.
“I especially thank the Kenya Red Cross Society volunteers who always step up in every drive. We must stick together and support one another. What you give comes back multiple times,” Ahmed said.
He expressed concern over the critical shortage in local hospitals, warning that patients are often left vulnerable. “Garissa’s blood banks are in crisis. Patients are suffering because hospitals frequently run dry, leaving families to desperately hunt for donors,” he added.
Daud Ahmed Kenya Red Cross Garissa Branch Coordinator
According to hospital statistics, pregnant women and road accident victims account for the largest share of patients in urgent need of blood.
Baraki MCA Hassan Geley warned that the shortage was putting lives at risk, including those of children, surgery patients, and people with chronic illnesses.
“In emergencies, every drop of blood counts. Donating can be the difference between life and death. I appeal to all eligible residents to donate blood—not just once, but consistently,” Geley said.
He urged youth groups, faith leaders, schools, and community organisations to mobilise their members for the cause.
Community mobiliser Abdinassir Ahmed echoed the call, dismissing myths that blood donation makes people ill. “That’s simply not true. We must debunk these misconceptions if we are to end chronic shortages,” he said.
He also encouraged the business community to support the drives by providing refreshments and stipends for health workers volunteering their time.
“Donating blood is safe, quick, and nearly painless. If you are eligible, one donation could save several lives,” he reassured residents.
The organisers called on all Garissa residents to roll up their sleeves and be heroes.
“Together, we can ensure no patient suffers—or dies—because of a lack of blood,” Abdinassir said.
