Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has given families and the public a seven-day window to claim 480 unclaimed bodies currently held at its Farewell Home, warning that the remains will be disposed of if not identified within the stipulated period.
In a public notice issued on March 24, the hospital revealed that the bodies include 102 adults and 378 children. KNH management urged relatives and guardians to come forward promptly to avoid the bodies being disposed of 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 the Public Health Act Cap 242, including the Public Health (Public Mortuaries) Rules of 1991, which govern how unclaimed bodies are handled in Kenya. Hospitals are allowed to dispose of bodies left unclaimed for extended periods—usually between 21 days and three months—but only after issuing a public notice and obtaining a court order.
Officials say the situation highlights ongoing overcrowding in public mortuaries, where unclaimed bodies take up valuable space and strain limited resources. Many cases involve families who cannot claim bodies due to financial difficulties, lack of information, or social reasons, leaving bodies in storage far longer than legally allowed.
Before disposal, hospitals must obtain court approval to ensure the process complies with the law. In certain cases, unclaimed bodies may also be used for medical training or research, but only under strict legal oversight and with authorization from the Ministry of Health.
The notice from KNH reflects a wider challenge faced by public morgues across Kenya, where growing numbers of unclaimed bodies have, in the past, forced mass burials to free up space and maintain hygiene standards. Officials warn that keeping bodies for long periods not only creates logistical problems but can also pose public health risks, especially in overwhelmed facilities.
KNH reiterated its appeal for swift action, emphasizing the cultural and emotional importance of providing loved ones with a dignified farewell. With the seven-day deadline now in effect, the hospital may soon seek court authorization to dispose of any unclaimed remains, unless families come forward in time.
