The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) students and staff donated a record 207 units of blood in a 3-day event held from Wednesday February 13 to Friday February 15, 2025.

In an exclusive interview with the corporate communications office, the Chairman of the Medical Sciences Department, Mr Nyarambe Wigina, lauded the students and staff for turning up for the noble exercise voluntarily.

He stated that Blood is perishable and can’t be artificially manufactured, so it has to be collected continuously.

Wigina insisted that donating blood is important because it saves lives. Besides, it is a critical resource for medical treatments, surgeries, and emergencies. 

It helps a great deal to patients who have accidents, surgeries, or medical conditions such as cancer, blood disorders, or chronic illnesses.

 “At TUM we conduct this exercise during World Sickle Cell Day and during Valentine’s Day. It is an opportunity to third-year students pursuing bachelor of Medical Laboratory, because they get exposed to the practical sessions of the programme. This is part of the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) program for the University to help the community.” Wigina said.

Mombasa County blood transfusion coordinator Mr Keith Ziroh disclosed that Mombasa County has a shortage of 700 units of blood. He lauded Red splash and the TUM management and students for making the noble exercise successful.

“We use 1800 units of blood monthly and currently the available blood in our facility is 1100 units,” Mr Ziroh said.

Chairman of TUM Medical Laboratory Students Association Carey Sigunga encouraged students to come out in large numbers during blood donation days. 

“The advantages outweigh the disadvantages. First, you will know your blood group; secondly, screening helps you to know if you have enough blood in your body; and finally, you get the donor card which can help you to get blood during emergencies,” Sigunga explained.