Sakaja Denies Detention of 100 Mothers at Mama Lucy Hospital Over Unpaid Bills

Sakaja Denies Detention of 100 Mothers at Mama Lucy Hospital Over Unpaid Bills

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has strongly refuted claims that over 100 women were detained at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital due to unpaid maternity bills. Speaking before the Senate Health Committee on Thursday, November 6, Sakaja clarified that no patient was held against her will.

“We Do Not Detain Women” — Sakaja Sets the Record Straight

The Governor dismissed the reports, attributing the delay in discharging some mothers to a slow waiver review process.

“We do not retain women in facilities; it is the waiver period that took some time, and that is what we are refining,” Sakaja stated. “Facilities cannot run if payments are not made.”

He explained that the county’s waiver committee meets weekly to assess cases and approve financial waivers for needy patients.

“We Support the Needy” — Hospital Has Care Initiative

Sakaja emphasized that Mama Lucy Hospital runs a care initiative that identifies financially struggling patients. The program connects them with well-wishers who help settle medical bills.

“Mama Lucy has a care initiative that facilitates financial support from well-wishers,” he said.

Additionally, the hospital helps patients enroll in the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme to access long-term health coverage.

“Sonko Paid for 110 Mothers” — Former Governor Steps In

The clarification came days after former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko paid bills for 110 mothers reportedly detained at the hospital. The gesture sparked public outrage and raised questions about the county’s healthcare system.

“Some women had newborns just days old. They were stuck in the hospital over unpaid fees,” a witness claimed.

Sakaja’s statement aimed to calm the storm and explain the county’s position.

“ICU Capacity Has Grown” — Sakaja Highlights Health Milestones

During the same committee session, Sakaja shared progress in Nairobi’s public health infrastructure. He revealed that county hospitals now have 46 ICU beds, a major leap from zero before his tenure.

“Before I became Governor, Nairobi had zero ICU capacity in public hospitals,” Sakaja said. “Today, we have 18 ICU beds at Mama Lucy, 10 at Mama Margaret Uhuru, and 8 at Mbagathi.”

He also confirmed the addition of neonatal ICU units to improve care for newborns.

“We’re Building a Better System” — Governor Promises Reforms

Sakaja acknowledged the challenges but promised continued reforms to ensure dignity and care for all patients.

“We are refining the waiver system to make it faster and more efficient,” he assured. “No mother should suffer because of poverty.”

He urged the public to remain patient as the county works to improve healthcare delivery.

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Sakaja Denies Detention of 100 Mothers at Mama Lucy Hospital Over Unpaid Bills