JUNE 12 – The cooperative movement has been urged to support the health sector by donating blood.
Cooperatives and MSME Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi said that apart from donating blood being a noble act of charity, it epitomizes the essence of cooperative principle number seven, which is a concern for the community.
Speaking at the commencement of the blood donation drive at the Cooperative University of Kenya (CUK) organized by Ushirika Council as the country prepares to commemorate International Cooperative Day in July, the PS noted that blood donation is a lifeline that sustains communities, explaining that every drop of blood donated can make the difference between life and death for someone in need.
“This principle reminds us that co-operatives are committed to sustainable development and the well-being of their communities. I would like to congratulate the Ushirika Council for their unwavering dedication and hard work over the years to save countless lives and make a significant impact in our society,” he said.
He extended his appreciation to the university fraternity for hosting the event and for their participation, adding that he is proud to align his efforts with World Blood Donor Day 2024, organized by the World Health Organization, which will take place on the 14th of June.
This global observance emphasizes the critical role that safe blood and blood products play in saving lives.
Likewise, he explained that the government is keen on facelifting the cooperative university from a center for excellence for the cooperative sector to a center of reference for cooperative intellectual property.
“I want to challenge the Cooperative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) CEO that when they have resources, they should sponsor some needy students at the Cooperatives University since such kind of symbiotic relationship should have some mutually beneficial synergy,” he added.
He called upon all Kenyans to participate in the upcoming Ushirika Day celebrations scheduled for July 6, 2024, to be held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where President William Ruto will be the chief guest for a second year running.
The PS went on to say that they have gotten approval from the Treasury through the Public Service Commission (PSC) to recruit at the state department, and they are targeting people with degrees from competent cooperative training institutions like Co-operatives University.
Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) CEO Daniel Marube said that every year when they are celebrating International Day for Cooperatives, they organize blood donation drives that fall under the mandate of the co-operative of caring for one another.
Marube said that they target getting at least 500 pints of blood from the university alone.
They will have another two-day blood donation drive outside the Kenya National Archives on Wednesday and Thursday.
He called on the co-operative movement and Kenyans in general to donate blood, explaining that one never knows when they will need a blood donation or a member of their family.
“When you donate blood it is like you are donating life to someone else since it is a lifesaving commodity and mostly required during emergencies,” explained Marube.
Co-operatives University of Kenya Vice Chancellor (VC) Kamau Ngamau said on his part that they have a population of over 10, 000 students, and he called on the students to donate blood and reciprocate the honor they have been given to host the initiative.
“It has been reported that we have a very serious shortage of blood in our blood banks where it is said that with our population, we should have at least one million pints of blood donated annually but we are very far from that,” said Ngamau.
The VC added that the blood donation drive at the university will go a long way in mobilizing more donations to save more lives, and he thanked CAK for choosing them to host the initiative.
Faith Muchugu, a nurse from the Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority (KTTA), called on Kenyans to turn up in large numbers at their blood donation centers across the country, saying that there is a shortage of the essential commodity.
“We urge all Kenyans to come and donate blood to save the lives of fellow Kenyans like those involved in road accidents, cancer patients, and mothers during delivery,” said Muchugu.
