Outrage has erupted after a viral video revealed that at least 27 new mothers are being detained at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret over unpaid medical bills, with some held for up to three months.
The mothers, including teenagers, alleged they were being subjected to inhumane conditions such as congestion and verbal abuse by hospital staff. According to the women, they have been forced to remain in the facility for periods ranging between 21 days and six months, with bills ranging from Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 500,000.
MTRH management acknowledged that the mothers owed the hospital money but denied mistreatment claims. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Philip Kirwa defended the facility, saying patients continue to receive proper care despite their inability to settle bills.
“The main challenge, even with the teenagers, is that they have no identification or birth certificates. This makes it difficult for us to clear them or for the Social Health Authority to pay. It is either they pay cash, or if they are unable, our credit committee reviews their cases and makes recommendations accordingly,” Dr. Kirwa explained.
He further revealed that some of the detained patients had since been cleared and discharged after their cases were reviewed.
The incident has reignited debate over patient detention in Kenyan hospitals, a practice that has repeatedly drawn criticism from human rights groups and legal experts who argue it violates the right to dignity and healthcare access.
For context, similar cases have previously been reported in major hospitals across the country, raising concerns about how the healthcare system handles poor and vulnerable patients.
