Over 30 mothers trapped at Thika Level 5 Hospital due to unpaid bills

Some have been stuck at the facility for more than four months, unable to pay fees ranging between Ksh.30,000 and Ksh.95,000.

Susan Wangari, a first-time mother from Ruiru, recounted her ordeal, revealing that her hospital bill has risen to Ksh.95,000 since her admission in August 2024. Despite delivering her baby safely and the child being in good health, she remains confined to the hospital, unable to pay the outstanding amount.

While some mothers had babies with complications requiring extended medical care, many were cleared for discharge weeks or even months ago. However, their inability to pay has left them trapped in the ward.

For these women, the festive season brought no relief. Many spent both Christmas and New Year in the hospital—not because of medical issues but due to the financial burden of unpaid bills.

In a desperate plea, the mothers called on the Kiambu County Government to waive their hospital debts and allow them to reunite with their families. They are also appealing to well-wishers for financial assistance to help settle the outstanding fees.

According to statistics from Thika Level 5 Hospital, the facility handles an average of 800 births every month.