Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has issued a public notice urging families and members of the public to identify and collect 480 unclaimed bodies currently being held at its Farewell Home.

The hospital warned that if the bodies are not claimed within seven days, it will seek court approval to dispose of the remains in line with Kenyan law.

According to the notice published on March 24, the unclaimed remains include 102 adults and 378 children.

“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.

KNH said the process is guided by provisions of the Public Health Act Cap 242, particularly the Public Health (Public Mortuaries) Rules of 1991, which regulate how unclaimed bodies should be handled and disposed of in Kenya.

Under the law, hospitals can dispose of bodies that remain unclaimed for extended periods, typically between 21 days and three months after issuing a public notice and obtaining a court order.

In certain circumstances, unclaimed bodies may also be used for medical training and research under the Anatomy Act Cap 249, subject to strict legal procedures and approval from the Ministry of Health.

The hospital said the situation reflects a wider national problem, with public mortuaries across Kenya struggling with overcrowding caused by a growing number of unclaimed bodies.

Health officials attribute the issue to several factors, including: Families unable to raise burial costs, Lack of information about deceased relatives and \Social and legal complications in claiming bodies

When morgues become overwhelmed, institutions sometimes conduct mass burials after completing the required legal processes.

Authorities warn that keeping bodies for long periods can strain resources and create sanitation and operational challenges for hospitals.

KNH has therefore urged families to come forward quickly, emphasising the importance of giving loved ones a dignified send-off and helping ease pressure on public mortuary facilities.