The Ministry of Health (MOH), has moved to clarify reports circulating online regarding alleged exports of human blood from Kenya, describing the claims as misleading.
In a release issued, Health CS Duale responded to reports linked to data published on the World Integrated Trade Solutions (WITS) platform.
The reports had sparked public concern after it was alleged that Kenya was exporting donated human blood and blood fractions to foreign countries.
According to the Ministry, the trade category referenced in the report is a broad global customs classification that includes pharmaceutical, laboratory, diagnostic, and biological products.
These include vaccines, toxins, microbial cultures, antisera, and other blood-derived products. However, the Ministry emphasized that the classification does not include donated blood collected for transfusion purposes.
Government Distances Itself From Export Claims
The Ministry stated that some of the trade statistics captured in the WITS report reflect imports handled by multinational companies operating regional supply and logistics hubs within Kenya.
Some of these products are later redistributed across the East African region, contributing to the appearance of export activity in customs data.
Officials further stressed that Kenya does not export donated blood or blood components for the manufacture of blood-derived products abroad.
Ministry Warns Against False Health Information
The Ministry urged the public to treat reports on medical trade flows with caution, warning that inaccurate interpretation of such data could spread misinformation. Citizens are encouraged to seek official clarification directly from the Ministry of Health.
CS Duale stated that the Ministry would work with investigative agencies to identify and take action against individuals spreading false or misleading health information under existing laws.
Duale also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s healthcare systems, including the national blood programme, to ensure safe and quality-assured health services for all Kenyans.
