Nairobi – June 2025

In a powerful show of civic responsibility and unity, the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA), under the leadership of its Chairperson Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, joined hands with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Samuel Njoroge, in a national blood donation drive held at Parliament Buildings to mark World Blood Donor Day.

The annual commemoration, observed globally every 14th of June, aims to raise awareness about the need for safe and regular blood donations. This year’s theme, “Give Blood, Give Life,” underscored the crucial role voluntary donors play in saving lives and strengthening healthcare systems.

Leadership in Action

Speaking during the event, Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, MP for Manyatta Constituency and KYPA Chairperson, emphasized the urgent need to address Kenya’s ongoing shortage of blood and blood products.

“Access to blood during critical times — whether due to accidents, childbirth complications, surgeries, or chronic illness — remains a significant challenge in our nation. As KYPA, we are committed to championing life-saving causes like this. Voluntary blood donation is one of the most noble and direct ways we can show patriotism and care for fellow citizens,” he said.

Hon. Mukunji urged the youth to step up as active contributors to national well-being, citing the act of donating blood as a simple yet powerful gesture of humanity.

Parliament Sets an Example

The event saw active participation from Members of Parliament, parliamentary staff, and members of the public, making a bold statement on the importance of public institutions leading by example.

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula lauded the initiative, calling on all Kenyans to make blood donation part of their civic routine:

“Blood is life. And every unit donated can make the difference between life and death for a patient in need. Parliament is proud to stand with KYPA and support this national call.”

Clerk Samuel Njoroge reiterated the need for such initiatives, noting that Parliament remains committed to supporting health-focused programs that benefit the wider public.

The Bigger Picture

Kenya requires more than 500,000 units of blood annually, but often collects far less due to low donor turnout, misinformation, and limited outreach. Such deficits severely affect emergency services, maternal health, and surgical care across the country.

By hosting the event at the heart of national governance, KYPA hopes to inspire similar drives at both county and grassroots levels, with young leaders taking the lead in changing the culture around blood donation.

Mobilizing the Youth for Good

As part of its broader vision, KYPA is working to promote youth-led solutions to national challenges — including health, peacebuilding, education, and economic empowerment. This blood drive is the latest in a series of outreach activities aimed at empowering young citizens to become agents of change.

“Young people are the heartbeat of our nation,” said Hon. Mukunji. “By donating blood, we’re not just giving life — we’re shaping a compassionate and responsive generation.”

The event concluded with hundreds of pints of blood donated and dozens of first-time donors registered, making it one of the most successful youth-led drives in recent memory.