By Ruth Magak
Nakuru County is setting the pace in strengthening healthcare systems through innovation and awareness, with the introduction and active promotion of platelet donation using the apheresis machine at the Nakuru Regional Blood Transfusion Centre.
On 9th September 2025, Nakuru’s Director for Health, Administration, and Planning, Dr. Joy Mugambi, marked her 50th birthday—her Golden Jubilee—by making what she proudly calls her “golden donation.” Choosing service over celebration, Dr. Mugambi became one of the few Kenyans to donate platelets through the apheresis machine, underscoring Nakuru’s leadership in pioneering lifesaving healthcare interventions.
Unlike regular blood donations, which are well-known to many Kenyans, platelet donation remains less understood. Platelets are the tiny blood cells responsible for clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. They are critical for patients battling cancer, undergoing organ transplants, major surgeries, or suffering from blood disorders. Yet, demand far outstrips supply.
According to the Nakuru Regional Blood Transfusion Centre, which serves eight counties, at least 42 bags of platelets are needed monthly. However, fewer than 15 donors come forward in the same period—leaving a significant gap that threatens the lives of patients in need.
Nurse Mercy Cherono, who oversees the apheresis program, explains: “From a single whole blood donation, we only get 30–40 milliliters of platelets. With the apheresis machine, one donor can give up to 200 milliliters in a sitting—the equivalent of six whole blood donations.”
Despite its efficiency, uptake remains low, partly because the process takes longer, about an hour compared to 15 minutes for whole blood. However, with increased awareness and the example set by leaders such as Dr. Mugambi, the County hopes to inspire more donors.
“My close friend’s struggle with leukemia opened my eyes to the dire need for platelets. Donating through this machine is safe, simple, and life-saving. My 50th birthday was the perfect opportunity to lead by example,” Dr. Mugambi shared.
Governor Susan Kihika’s administration has made healthcare transformation a central pillar of its agenda, and platelet donation is a clear demonstration of this vision in action. By embracing innovation and mobilizing community awareness, Nakuru is not only bridging lifesaving gaps but also proving that counties can lead in specialized healthcare services.
As Nakuru positions itself as a regional healthcare hub, residents are reminded that each donation is more than a gift, it is an investment in life.
