Tragic Toll: 378 Babies Among 480 Unclaimed Bodies at KNH

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has issued a public notice urging families to identify and collect 480 unclaimed bodies currently held at its Farewell Home.

In the notice published on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the hospital warned that the remains will be disposed of within seven days if they are not claimed, in line with existing public health laws.

“Interested members of the public are therefore requested to identify and collect the bodies within seven days. Failure to do so will result in the hospital seeking authority from the courts to dispose of them,” the notice stated.

Majority of Unclaimed Bodies Are Babies

According to the list released by KNH, the majority of the unclaimed bodies are children, with 378 identified as babies and only 102 adults.

The figures have sparked concern, highlighting a growing and troubling trend where many children who die at the country’s largest referral hospital remain unclaimed for extended periods.

The hospital provided details, including names, genders, and tag numbers, urging families to come forward and identify their loved ones before the deadline lapses.

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Legal Framework Governing Disposal of Bodies

KNH stated that the move is in compliance with the Public Health Act, Cap 242, specifically the Public Health (Public Mortuaries) Rules of 1991.

“Pursuant to Public Health Act Cap 242 [Subsidiary: Public Health (Public Mortuaries) Rules, 1991] (2), 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 read.

The law requires that unclaimed bodies be removed from mortuaries within two weeks. If not, public officers must seek court approval before proceeding with disposal, often through mass burial.

Hospitals Struggle With Rising Number of Unclaimed Bodies

Hospitals across Nairobi County continue to face mounting pressure in preserving unclaimed bodies, with mortuaries increasingly running out of space.

KNH noted that before any disposal is carried out, it must obtain court approval to ensure the process fully complies with legal requirements.

The hospital also revealed that in certain cases, unclaimed bodies may be used for medical training and research, strictly under the provisions of the Anatomy Act Cap 249 and with authorization from the Ministry of Health.

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Public Urged to Act Before Deadline

KNH has made the list of unclaimed bodies available at its Farewell Home and on its official website to make it easier for families to verify records.

The hospital maintained its call to the public to act within the stipulated timeline.

“Failure to do so will compel the hospital to seek authority from the courts to dispose of them,” the notice emphasized.

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