Dr Jeremiah Mumo outlined proposals for connected blood supply information across Kenya.
The Digital Health Agency wants hospitals to share live blood stock information, predict shortages and coordinate emergency transfers.
Kenya is seeking a nationwide blood tracking system to help hospitals locate supplies and coordinate emergency transfers. The proposed platform would link hospitals, blood banks and laboratories, giving healthcare workers real-time stock information.
Digital Health Agency Director of Digital Health and Informatics Dr Jeremiah Mumo outlined the proposal at Strathmore University in Nairobi. He spoke during the Terumo BCT Africa Hackathon 2026, where Kenyan and Nigerian innovators presented blood management solutions.
Mumo said disconnected information systems hinder urgent requests, even when another facility has the required supplies. Instead of making time-consuming manual inquiries, authorised health workers would check available blood groups and components digitally.
Blood tracking system would forecast shortages
Mumo also called for artificial intelligence and data analytics to forecast shortages by blood group and location. This would help health authorities plan collections in areas facing potential deficits.
The platform should also maintain a database of eligible donors, recording their blood groups and locations. Blood banks could then contact suitable donors when they urgently need donations.
In addition, Mumo proposed tracking each blood unit from donation through testing, compatibility checks, storage and transport to transfusion. He said this would improve accountability and patient safety while providing reliable data for collection and distribution decisions.
However, he urged developers to integrate their platforms with Kenya’s existing digital health infrastructure rather than create isolated systems. They must also protect donor and patient information under the Data Protection Act, 2019, and Digital Health Act, 2023.
Mumo further stressed practical designs for hospitals in remote areas, where unreliable internet connectivity can limit access.
Hackathon winners target emergency blood transfers
Team Relay, comprising Kenyan and Nigerian innovators, won the USD 5,000 top prize for HemoGrid. The platform aims to help hospitals and blood banks identify suitable stocks and arrange emergency transfers.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Medibora team finished second with Providus, a tool that forecasts shortages by blood group and geographical location. Users can access it through a dashboard, USSD or SMS.
Five finalist teams demonstrated working prototypes intended to contribute to the proposed African Blood Bank Information System. Organisers said future adoption and development would depend on separate reviews and agreements with participating teams.
Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs Kahindi also urged innovators to turn prototypes into viable businesses. Deputy Director Timothy Nyakwamba Kajwang delivered the message on his behalf.
Kahindi cited the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Hustler Fund and Kenya National Innovation Agency partnerships as support avenues. He also encouraged teams to protect their intellectual property and register businesses capable of attracting investment.
