Blood technology giant Terumo has officially opened its Africa headquarters and regional training centre in Nairobi, marking a major step in strengthening blood safety and health system capacity across East Africa.
The company announced on Tuesday that the new facility will help equip Kenya and neighbouring countries with the skills needed to use advanced technologies that improve access to safe, high-quality blood. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT), a global leader in blood management and cell therapy technologies, said the Nairobi hub will train clinicians, lab technologists, and biomedical engineers on modern blood processing techniques.
Kenya continues to face a significant blood shortage, with the national supply falling far below the estimated annual demand of 500,000 units required under World Health Organization guidelines. Experts say automation, advanced processing, and improved technical expertise are critical to closing this supply gap.
According to Terumo, the new training centre will enhance proficiency in blood processing, apheresis(the separation of blood components) and other life-saving technologies now being adopted in the country.
Toshiaki Takagi, chairman of the board of Terumo Corporation, and Antoinette Gawin, President and CEO of Terumo BCT, graced the inauguration ceremony.
“This facility reflects our long-term commitment to Kenya and the region,” Takagi said. “By investing in local capabilities, we support stronger, more resilient health systems that can meet the needs of patients and communities across Africa.”
Terumo said the centre will offer hands-on training in equipment operation, quality management and maintenance, ensuring that healthcare providers can maximize the impact of the technologies deployed across the region.
The inauguration followed three days of high-level engagements between Terumo BCT leadership, government officials, and health financing partners from December 1 to 3. The discussions focused on improving blood safety, strengthening sickle cell disease management, and advancing broader health system reforms.
“Kenya is strengthening healthcare access and advancing medical innovation,” Gawin said. “We bring proven technologies suited to Kenya’s needs, and are committed to continued investment in training that unlocks their full impact to build healthier communities.”
Kenya has already begun adopting Terumo BCT’s whole blood automation technology, which moves the country closer to modernizing its national transfusion services.
The launch was officiated by Guracha Adi, a director at the Kenya Investment Authority (Invest Kenya), who welcomed the company’s decision to anchor its Africa operations in Nairobi.
He said: “Invest Kenya welcomes Terumo BCT’s decision to establish its Africa headquarters and training centre in Nairobi. This investment underscores Kenya’s increasing appeal as a regional hub for advanced medical technologies and capacity building. It aligns with our national agenda to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, enhance blood management systems, and support the country’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage. We are confident that this facility will play a pivotal role in elevating technical expertise across the region.”
Terumo BCT serves a diverse global clientele, including blood centres, hospitals, therapeutic apheresis clinics, cell processing organisations, researchers, and private medical facilities. Its technologies are currently in use in more than 160 countries.
