Kenya's New Bill Aims to Free Bodies Held Over Unpaid Medical Debts

A new bill in Kenya seeks to stop hospitals from holding bodies over unpaid medical bills. Proposed by Kirinyaga Women Representative Njeri Maina, the legislation also aims to ensure emergency care without upfront fees. The move comes as public morgues face a growing crisis of unclaimed remains, with hundreds of bodies left in storage each year. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) currently holds 480 unclaimed bodies—102 adults and 378 children—as of March 24, 2026. These remains have been at the hospital's Farewell Home since January 2024. Under the Public Health Act, bodies should not stay in a public mortuary beyond 10 days without burial plans.

KNH has announced plans to dispose of the bodies if families do not claim them within seven days. The hospital will seek a court order to proceed, citing legal requirements. A similar situation arose in 2024, when KNH intended to dispose of over 500 unclaimed bodies, mostly children, due to lack of family response. The issue stems largely from poverty and high medical costs, leaving many unable to afford burial expenses. Unclaimed bodies strain mortuary capacity and pose public health risks. Meanwhile, the proposed bill by Njeri Maina would prevent hospitals from withholding remains over debts and guarantee emergency treatment without immediate payment.

If passed, the bill could ease the burden on families and reduce the backlog in public morgues. KNH's planned disposal of 480 bodies highlights the urgency of the problem. The legislation would also ensure that financial hardship does not block access to critical medical services.