Arsenal FC fans have called on football fans, residents, and well-wishers across Meru County to join a vital blood donation event this Saturday at Sayen Parking (Mwitu Centre), then finish off at Black Perch to watch the Arsenal game.
The drive aims to collect over several units of blood to replenish dwindling stocks at local hospitals amid rising cases of road accidents, maternal complications, and anaemia.
Are you in Meru today? Here's the plan.
— Arsenal Kenya Supporters' Club (@ArsenalKenya_AK) April 25, 2026
Come donate blood, save a life, and let's catch the Arsenal game later with fellow fans. Karibuni Sana!#COYG pic.twitter.com/w1JXIT2Fxo
It comes just a month after a similar blood donation drive took place at Greenwood city mall, Meru town.
The event, held on March 16, 2024, saw an overwhelming response from Football fans demonstrating a remarkable spirit of unity and generosity and it not only contributed to the blood bank but also fostered a sense of community and solidarity among the team members.
Blood donation in Kenya is regulated by the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS) under the Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority to ensure safety for donors and recipients.
With strict guidelines placed to ensure voluntary, non-remunerated donations while minimizing transfusion-transmissible infections.
Some of the requirements states that donors must be aged 16-65 years and weigh at least 50kg for women or 55kg for men. Healthy individuals with hemoglobin levels of 12.5g/dL or higher qualify, and this is done by finger-prick tests.
Exclusions include pregnant or breastfeeding women, those on medication, recent surgery patients, or individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma.
The process begins with registration and a health questionnaire assessing medical history and vital signs. Eligible donors provide signed consent before phlebotomy, which collects about 450ml of blood in 6-10 minutes.
Post-donation refreshments prevent dizziness, and blood undergoes mandatory testing for HIV, hepatitis, and blood groups.