KNH gives families seven days to collect 480 unclaimed bodies

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has issued a public notice calling on families and members of the public to collect 480 unclaimed bodies currently held at its Farewell Home.

KNH warned that the remains will be disposed of within seven days if not identified and claimed.

In the notice published on March 24, the hospital said the unclaimed bodies comprise 102 adults and 378 children.

KNH management urged relatives and guardians to come forward promptly to identify and collect the bodies to avoid their disposal in accordance with the law.

“Interested members of the public are therefore requested to identify and collect the bodies within seven days; failure to which the hospital will seek authority from the courts to dispose of them,” the notice stated.

The hospital cited provisions of the Public Health Act Cap 242, particularly the Public Health (Public Mortuaries) Rules of 1991, which govern the handling and disposal of unclaimed bodies in Kenya.

Under the law, hospitals are permitted to dispose of bodies that remain unclaimed for extended periods, typically between 21 days and three months, after issuing a public notice and obtaining a court order.

The move underscores the persistent challenge of overcrowding in public mortuaries, with unclaimed bodies occupying valuable space and straining resources.

Health sector officials say the situation is exacerbated by cases where families are unable or unwilling to claim bodies due to financial constraints, lack of information, or social factors.

In many instances, bodies remain in morgues long after the legally stipulated period, forcing institutions to resort to mass burials.

Before any disposal is carried out, hospitals are required to seek court approval, ensuring the process is conducted within the legal framework.

In some cases, unclaimed bodies may also be used for medical training and research, subject to strict legal requirements under the Anatomy Act Cap 249 and with authorisation from the Ministry of Health.

The notice by KNH reflects a broader national issue, as public morgues across Kenya continue to grapple with congestion linked to rising numbers of unclaimed bodies. This has, in the past, led to periodic mass burials aimed at freeing up space and maintaining sanitary conditions.

Officials warn that prolonged storage of bodies poses not only logistical challenges but also public health risks, particularly where facilities are overwhelmed.

KNH reiterated its appeal to the public to act swiftly, emphasising the emotional and cultural importance of giving loved ones a dignified send-off.

The hospital’s directive now places urgency on affected families, as the countdown begins toward possible legal proceedings that could see the unclaimed bodies disposed of if no one comes forward within the stipulated timeframe.