Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has written to the Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti to investigate cartels he claims are responsible for the shortage of blood in the country.

He said the cartels have been engaging in blood trade within and outside the country for selfish gain.

“The Ministry is aware that there are criminal elements both within the Ministry of Health, who are colluding with outsiders to escalate the problems pertaining to blood countrywide,” said Kagwe in a statement to the press. 

However, the CS said the government had put in place measures to ensure the problem of blood shortage is solved.

“To this end, I have called for a stakeholders meeting that will bring together development partners on issues pertaining to blood as well academicians and other specialists in the field,” he said.

 At the same time, the ministry started a blood donation drive on Saturday aimed at boosting the country’s blood bank.

The campaign was launched at Landi Mawe in Eastlands and will be followed by other similar exercises.

“The Ministry welcomes all partners and well-wishers to collaborate and support blood donation in the country within the laid down protocols.

The safety and quality of the blood products is our major priority and this cannot be compromised at all costs even in times of challenges,” said Kagwe.