Kenyatta National Hospital has begun putting in place measures aimed at ending the long-standing practice of detaining patients and bodies over unpaid medical bills a move that could bring relief to many struggling families.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities, Acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Lesiyampe said the hospital has already taken steps to ensure that financial hardship does not translate into prolonged suffering.
He revealed that a Credit Waiver Committee has been established to help clear bills for patients and families who are unable to pay, allowing them or their loved ones to leave the facility without further distress.
The Committee, through its vice-chairperson Duncan Mathenge, urged the hospital to go a step further and formalise the process into a clear policy.
In response, Lesiyampe said, “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.”
He assured the legislators that, at present, no patient is being held at the hospital due to unpaid bills.
His remarks came after concerns were raised by lawmakers Yussuf Hassan (Kamukunji) and Peter Orero, who said they often find themselves stepping in to help families facing such situations.
“I have been calling you seeking assistance in such cases. Do you have a permanent solution to these challenges faced by poor families seeking treatment at KNH?” posed Hassan.
Beyond billing concerns, Lesiyampe also highlighted the mounting pressure on the hospital, citing a growing number of patients and a critical shortage of medical staff. He appealed to the Committee to support an increase in the staffing cap set by the Public Service Commission from 6,000 to 7,800 workers to help the hospital cope with demand.
However, the discussion also turned to internal concerns, with the Committee questioning the hospital’s compliance with laws on diversity and inclusion in its workforce.
Members pointed out that one ethnic community accounts for a disproportionately high number of employees.
“Out of the 5,289 staff, one community comprises 27 percent. This is unacceptable for an institution that serves the entire nation,” said Dick Maungu (Luanda).
Mathenge, alongside Martin Owino, also criticised the hospital for failing to meet the legal threshold for employing persons living with disabilities.
“You have breached the law by only employing five per cent of persons living with disabilities against the required minimum of five per cent,” said Mathenge.
In his response, Lesiyampe acknowledged the concerns, noting that the issue of ethnic imbalance dates back over 16 years. He added that the hospital’s management is working towards addressing the gaps in upcoming recruitment drives.
