More than 100 new mothers and their infants are being detained at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Nairobi over unpaid medical bills, some amounting to more than KSh100,000, hospital officials have confirmed.
According to the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Fredrick Obwanda, the affected women have been barred from leaving the facility until they clear their outstanding balances.
Hospital Confirms Detention of Mothers
Speaking to journalists, Dr. Obwanda said the detained mothers had not settled delivery-related costs and postnatal medical expenses. He explained that most of the affected families are from low-income backgrounds, but hospital policy requires settlement of bills before discharge.
“Nearly all of them have not registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), which could have paid part of their bills,” said Dr. Obwanda.
“That means for them to get health services, they have to pay with hard cash. It’s also sometimes hard to determine genuine cases; that’s why we have detained all of them until they make the payments,” he added.
Bills Exceeding KSh100,000
Some of the detained mothers reportedly owe the hospital over KSh100,000 each, mostly for delivery complications, cesarean sections, and extended stays.
Hospital management insists that the detention policy is not punitive but meant to ensure recovery of costs incurred in patient care.
SHA Registration Could Have Helped
Dr. Obwanda emphasized the importance of registering with the Social Health Authority, saying it would significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for expectant mothers.
Health experts have previously warned that such detentions highlight gaps in Kenya’s universal health coverage rollout, particularly in urban public hospitals serving vulnerable populations.
