Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has issued a seven-day notice for the public to collect 262 unclaimed bodies currently held at its Farewell Home.
In a statement on Tuesday, KNH urged individuals to visit the facility and identify their loved ones. If unclaimed within the stipulated time, the hospital will seek court authorization to dispose of the bodies in accordance with the Public Health Act Cap 242.
“KNH is holding several unclaimed bodies at its Farewell Home. Interested members of the public are requested to identify and collect their kin within seven days, failing which the hospital will obtain court permission for disposal,” the statement read.
Did you read this?
Of the 262 bodies, 16 are adults, 238 are babies, and six have been consented for disposal.
This announcement follows a similar call last month by the Nairobi City County Government, which urged the public to claim 107 unclaimed bodies at the City Mortuary.
The County’s Health, Wellness, and Nutrition department encouraged residents who have lost contact with loved ones or are uncertain of their whereabouts to visit the Nairobi Funeral Home (formerly City Mortuary) to verify if their relatives are among the unclaimed bodies.
The county explained that the mortuary was operating far beyond its capacity, housing over 600 bodies despite being designed to hold 184, making it urgent to free up space.
In line with the Public Health Act Cap 242, unclaimed bodies must be stored for at least three months before the facility can seek court approval for disposal. A 14-day public notice is then issued before further steps are taken.
“The public is encouraged to help identify their loved ones to alleviate the pressure at the facility,” the county said, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the capacity crisis.
