By Martha Okoth | March 25, 2026
Kenyatta National Hospital has announced plans to dispose of 480 unclaimed bodies currently held at its mortuary, urging the public to identify and collect the remains within seven days.
In a notice released on Wednesday, the hospital stated that the bodies include 102 adults and 378 children. The facility said the decision follows extended periods during which the remains have gone unclaimed despite efforts to trace next of kin.
Hospital officials said the move is in line with public health regulations and mortuary management policies, which require institutions to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper handling of human remains. Limited storage capacity has made disposal necessary if the bodies are not claimed within the seven-day period.
Families who suspect their relatives may be among the unclaimed are asked to visit the hospital’s mortuary with relevant documentation or information to assist in verifying the identity of the deceased.
The notice has drawn concern from members of the public and human rights observers, particularly given the high number of children among the unclaimed bodies. Some stakeholders have called for improved systems to trace families and better coordination between health facilities, law enforcement, and community organizations.
Kenyatta National Hospital is one of several major referral hospitals in the country that periodically faces challenges related to unclaimed bodies, often linked to poverty, lack of identification documents, or broken family connections.
Residents of Nairobi have been urged to act promptly within the seven-day window to prevent the remains from being disposed of in accordance with the law.
