Kenya: KNH Gives Families Seven Days to Claim 85 Unclaimed Bodies
Kenyatta National Hospital has issued a seven-day ultimatum for families to claim 85 unclaimed bodies currently held at its mortuary. Failure to collect the remains will result in the hospital seeking court approval for disposal under the Public Health Act.
Why it matters
This highlights public health administrative challenges and the legal procedures required for managing unclaimed remains in large urban hospitals.
Nairobi - Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has given families and members of the public seven days to identify and collect 85 unclaimed bodies lying at its Farewell Home, warning that it will seek court authorisation to dispose of the remains if they are not claimed.
The hospital published the notice calling on relatives, friends and other members of the public who may help establish the identities of the deceased to come forward within the stipulated period.
The 85 bodies comprise 67 males and 18 females, with the hospital providing names, tag numbers and other identifying details to help families establish whether their relatives are among those being held at the facility.
KNH said the notice had been issued pursuant to the Public Health Act, Cap 242, and the Public Health (Public Mortuaries) Rules, 1991, which provide the legal framework governing the handling and disposal of unclaimed remains.
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