KNH moves to end detention of patients over unpaid bills amid staffing concerns
By Faith Lagat, April 24, 2026Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is implementing measures to end the detention of patients and bodies over unpaid medical bills, the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities heard on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The development was presented during a session chaired by Vice-Chairperson Duncan Mathenge, where hospital management also outlined reforms on financial clearance, staffing, and inclusion.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Lesiyampe told lawmakers that KNH has established a Credit Waiver Committee to facilitate the release of patients and bodies from financially disadvantaged families.
He added that a formal policy is being developed to guide and institutionalise the process.
“Since I took over six months ago, I have been working on measures to ensure that indigent patients are not subjected to further suffering after treatment through detention,” Lesiyampe said. He confirmed that no patient is currently being held at the facility due to non-payment.
MPs Yussuf Hassan Kamukunji MP and Peter Orero sought clarity on long-term solutions, with Hassan asking, “Do you have a permanent solution to these challenges faced by poor families seeking treatment at KNH?”
Staffing shortages
Lesiyampe told the Committee that KNH is facing a rising patient load alongside a shortage of medical staff. He requested approval to increase the Public Service Commission staffing ceiling from 6,000 to 7,800 workers to improve service delivery.
Lawmakers noted that the hospital continues to operate under pressure due to increasing demand for healthcare services. The CEO said reforms are also being considered to improve efficiency and reduce strain on existing personnel.
Diversity concerns
The Committee raised concerns over ethnic imbalance and compliance with statutory requirements on inclusion. Dick Maungu Luanda MP noted disparities in staffing levels across communities.
“Out of the 5,289 staff, one community comprises 27 percent. This is unacceptable for an institution that serves the entire nation,” he said.
Mathenge and Hon. Martin Owino also flagged non-compliance with legal requirements on the employment of persons living with disabilities.
Lesiyampe said the imbalance dates back 16 years and assured MPs that corrective measures would be incorporated in future recruitment.
The Committee also referenced wider financial pressures at KNH, including previous audits showing thousands of patients leaving with unpaid bills.
Lawmakers urged accelerated reforms to balance patient welfare, financial sustainability, and equitable staffing in the country’s largest referral hospital.