KNH Takes Action Against Employee Who Demanded Ksh2,000 Bribe to Release Child

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has apologised to a family following complaints over delays and mishandling in the discharge process at Surgical Ward 4C, and began taking action against an employee involved in the saga.

In a statement on Friday, November 14, Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Richard Lesiyampe described the reported conduct as “unacceptable” and said it did not reflect the hospital’s standards of care.

Dr. Lesiyampe confirmed that disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the staff member involved in the SHA clearance process, in line with KNH’s human resource policies.

He further stated that the patient has since been discharged and that reimbursement to the family is underway.

Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, acting CEO of KNH while speaking on August 19, 2025. /THE STAR

"We wish to sincerely and unreservedly apologize to the affected family for the immense frustration and distress caused. The reported conduct is unacceptable and does not represent the values or the standard of care we are committed to providing at KNH," the hospital stated in part.

"Further to this, the Hospital has taken immediate and decisive action: Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the KNH officer in question, who is part of the team handling SHA clearance, in accordance with our HR policy."

The hospital reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity, fairness, and compassion for all patients and their families.

The controversy erupted after a parent took to social media to recount his experience at Kenyatta National Hospital’s Surgical Ward 4C.

He said he had been waiting since the previous day to have his child discharged but faced multiple hurdles from the SHA (Social Health Authority) officer in charge of discharges at the 4D office.

The parent alleged that the officer was favouring certain patients she knew personally, skipping the queue while others remained waiting. When he challenged the apparent bias, tensions reportedly escalated.

"When I politely told her that what she was doing was unfair, she got angry, banged her office door, and later called me in," he wrote.

He added that he was then charged Ksh 2,070 for an alleged extra day of stay, which he paid at the Malipo Center. However, he claims the officer later refused to discharge his child unless he submitted a written apology letter endorsed by a local Chief.

"Right now, my baby is being held at KNH just because I refused to bow to corruption and humiliation," he stated, appealing for help.

The incident has ignited widespread discussion on social media about patient rights and the quality of service in Kenya’s public healthcare system.