The Ministry of Health has appealed to Kenyans to donate blood to help hospitalised victims of the Embakasi gas explosion tragedy.
Three people died and more than 280 others were left with serious injuries after fire broke out at a gas storage and refilling depot in Embakasi Thursday night.
Some 21 survivors are at the Kenyatta National Hospital, 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital, 19 at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at the Modern Komarock Hospital while eight are at Nairobi West Hospital.
The ministry through the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS) has called on those willing to donate blood to present themselves at the Nairobi Region Blood Transfusion Centre (RBTC), KNH Helipad Square and Mama Lucy Hospital Satellite.
In a statement on Friday, Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai said KNBTS has also activated its blood centres countrywide to send blood promptly to the Nairobi RBTC for immediate dispatch to affected hospitals.
"To further bolster our blood supply, we call upon the generosity of the public to visit our blood donation sites at the Nairobi RBTC, KNH Helipad Square and Mama Lucy Hospital Satellite to donate blood," KImtai said.
He noted that the fire has caused critical injuries that require blood and blood components transfusion.
In response to the incident, the ministry has put in place mechanisms to address the blood needs of victims of the incident.
"To address this urgent requirement, our blood establishments at Mama Lucy Hospital, Nairobi RBTC and KNH are on high alert to respond to the needs of the casualties," Kimtai said.
"Hospitals are encouraged to collect blood and blood components directly from the said facilities," he added.
The PS said the Nairobi RBTC has enough blood components including fresh frozen plasma (FFP) that will aid in the care of burn victims.
Nairobi County Government has waived all medical fees for the survivors of the tragedy.
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said the explosion happened after a lorry carrying gas cylinders exploded.
