KNH to Dispose of 395 Unclaimed Bodies, Most of Them Babies

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is set to dispose of 395 unclaimed bodies in a period of seven days.

In a notice on Tuesday June 25, 2024, the country’s leading referral facility stated that, majority of the bodies are for babies, though they did not explain under which the babies passed away.

According to data seen by The Kenya Times among the 395 bodies 328 of them belonged to babies while 19 others were fetuses.

“Kenyatta National Hospital is in possession of a number of unclaimed bodies at its Farewell Home,” read the notice.

KNH Announces Disposal of Unclaimed Bodies

In addition, the facility gave a seven-day ultimatum to families adding that if they do not reach out, it will dispose of the bodies.

“Interested members of the public are therefore requested to identify and collect the bodies within 7 days, failure to which the hospital will seek authority from the courts to dispose them,” read the statement.

Also Read: KNH Issues 7-Day Notice on 541 Unclaimed Bodies

KNH noted that it was acting in compliance with Public Health Act Cap 242 Subsidiary legislation Public Health Public Mortuaries rules, 1991.

“Pursuant to Public Health Act Cap 242 Subsidiary Legislation PUBLIC HEALTH (PUBLIC MORTUARIES) rules ,1991 Pursuant to Public Health Act Cap 242 Subsidiary Legislation public health rules,1991,” affirmed the facility.

According to the report, among 19 of fetuses 8 were identified as female, 6 as male and the gender of the remaining ones could not be identified.

On the hand, 48 of the bodies were adults with 37 of them identified as male while 11 of the were female.

Previous announcements 

Similarly, this is not the first time the hospital has disposed of unclaimed bodies. In October 2023, the hospital gave a two weeks’ notice before it moved to dispose of unclaimed bodies to ease pressure on its preservation facilities.

KNH is an established State Corporation from 1987 through Legal Notice No. 109 of 6th April 1987 as amended by the KNH Amendment Order 2021.

Also Read: KNH to Dispose 253 Unclaimed Bodies, Mainly Babies

Moreover, the facility is mandated to receive patients on referral from other hospitals or institutions within or outside Kenya for specialized health care.

Additionally, the hospital provides facilities for education and training in nursing and other health and allied institutions.

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