Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies Opens Africa Headquarters and Training Center 

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies Opens Africa Headquarters and Training Center 

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT) has officially opened its new Africa headquarters and regional training center in Nairobi.

The facility strengthens Kenya’s capacity to use advanced technologies that improve access to safe blood. Terumo BCT is a global leader in blood and cell management solutions.

Expanding Capacity to Improve Blood Safety

Kenya’s national blood supply remains far below the annual demand of 500,000 units, as estimated by the World Health Organization. To help close this gap, the new center will build local skills in blood processing, apheresis, and other lifesaving techniques.

The facility will offer hands-on training for clinicians, laboratory technologists, and biomedical engineers. Trainees will gain practical knowledge in technology operation, quality management, and maintenance. As a result, more healthcare workers across Kenya and the region will be equipped to support high standards of care.

Supporting Universal Health Coverage Through Innovation

The inauguration follows a series of high-level meetings between Terumo BCT’s leadership, government officials, and health financing partners. Their discussions focused on improving blood safety, advancing sickle cell disease management, and strengthening the wider health system.

Kenya has already begun deploying Terumo BCT’s whole blood automation technology. This innovation increases processing efficiency, optimizes available donations, and supports progress toward universal health coverage.

Kenya Welcomes the Investment

While officiating the opening, Mr. Guracha Adi, Director at the Kenya Investment Authority (Invest Kenya), praised the move.

“Invest Kenya welcomes Terumo BCT’s decision to establish its Africa Headquarters and Training Centre in Nairobi. This investment strengthens Kenya’s position as a hub for advanced medical technologies and capacity building,” he said.

He added that it supports national goals to enhance healthcare infrastructure and improve blood management systems.

Key global leaders also attended the event, including Toshiaki Takagi, Chairman of the Board of Terumo Corporation, and Antoinette Gawin, President and CEO of Terumo BCT.

Takagi reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment: “By investing in local capabilities, we support stronger and more resilient health systems that meet the needs of patients and communities.”

Gawin echoed this sentiment, saying, “Kenya is advancing medical innovation and expanding healthcare access. We provide proven technologies suited to the country’s needs and will continue investing in training to unlock their full impact.”

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies Opens Africa Headquarters and Training Center

A Major Step Toward Sustainable, Locally Driven Healthcare

The relocation and opening of the Africa headquarters marks an important milestone in Terumo BCT’s partnership with Kenya.

The investment aligns directly with the country’s health priorities, particularly efforts to achieve universal health coverage and strengthen self-sufficiency in healthcare.

By building local expertise and expanding access to modern technologies, the new center positions Kenyaand the region for long-term improvements in blood safety and overall health system performance.