KNH Breaks Silence on Claims Mother and New-born Were Denied Care

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has broken its silence on social media allegations that a mother and her new-born were denied care at the facility, with the hospital saying it found no corresponding patient or maternity record to verify the claims.

In a statement issued on August 29, 2026, KNH said it reviewed available patient and maternity records after the allegations emerged online and found that the available information did not support the account.

“Following the posts, the Hospital reviewed available patient and maternity records but found no corresponding record to verify the account. Available information indicates that the mother did not give birth at KNH, contrary to the allegation. The circumstances therefore remain unverified,” read part of the statement.

Nevertheless, KNH extended its condolences to the affected family following the allegation that the new-born subsequently died.

KNH Faces Increased Demand for Maternity Services

Meanwhile, KNH said its maternity department is currently handling exceptionally high demand, partly because industrial action in several counties has increased pressure on the facility.

The hospital said ongoing renovations have added to the pressure by temporarily reducing the number of available beds.

“This has been compounded by ongoing renovations of maternity and other wards, undertaken with the support of our partners to modernize the facilities and improve patient experience. The works have temporarily reduced available bed capacity,” KNH said.

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To respond to the increased demand, KNH has deployed additional medical personnel and strengthened its triage and referral coordination systems.

Additionally, the hospital continues to monitor bed availability and critical-care capacity as it manages patients requiring maternity, specialised and emergency services.

Hospital Explains Patient Care Measures

At the same time, the hospital said its medical teams assess patients according to their clinical urgency and manage them within the resources available.

Where necessary, the teams stabilise patients before escalating their care or referring them to other facilities.

“As the National Referral Hospital, KNH manages a high volume of specialized and emergency cases. While occasional documentation or communication gaps may occur, these are not deliberate and must not compromise patient safety or care,” the hospital said.

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Furthermore, KNH urged the affected family, the individual who raised the concerns or anyone with relevant information to contact the hospital.

The facility said the information would help it establish the facts and review the matter.

The hospital also reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety and quality care as it continues to manage the pressure on its facilities.

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Photo of Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, CEO of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), during an institutional engagement emphasizing employee motivation, training, and staff welfare as central to achieving better patient outcomes on August 25, 2026. PHOTO/ KNH X