Outrage as mothers detained at Thika hospital over unpaid maternity bills

A viral video now shows new mothers allegedly detained at Thika Level 5 Hospital for failing to clear maternity charges, reigniting debate over Kenya’s troubled health financing system.

The footage captures women lamenting that they have been confined in hospital wards for months. “We are suffering as mothers. We have children at home, yet we are stuck here two, even three months because we cannot pay,” one mother said.

The revelations have intensified scrutiny on the Social Health Authority (SHA) benefits package, which was designed to cover maternity services. Health experts warn that loopholes in the scheme are trapping vulnerable women in hospitals and undermining public confidence.

Kenya Medical Association (KMA) Chairperson, Dr. Simon Kigondu, faulted political leaders for misleading citizens. “Politicians tell Kenyans that hospital care is free. But if you haven’t paid your SHA premiums, your costs will not be covered,” he said.

Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni, however, insisted that safety nets exist. “If a patient has been referred and is unable to pay, the government has programs to support indigent mothers. Leaders, including MPs and counties, also have a responsibility to ensure such women are assisted,” she said.

On paper, the government’s Primary Care Network guarantees free antenatal, postnatal, and delivery services. But in practice, SHA contracts require proof of contribution, leaving many women ineligible—particularly in emergencies such as caesarean sections.

The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) Act directs Parliament to allocate funds for indigent and vulnerable citizens, with both national and county governments tasked to pay for their cover. Yet, implementation has lagged, leaving hospitals without ring-fenced resources to support disadvantaged mothers.