Mike Sonko Pays Hospital Bills for 110 Mothers Held at Mama Lucy Kibaki, Covers SHA Fees

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has paid the hospital bills for 110 mothers reportedly held at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital over unpaid maternity fees.

Sonko announced the intervention on Tuesday, 4 November, saying he had cleared the outstanding charges after media reports highlighted the women’s situation. He also pledged to cover their registration costs under the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, describing the move as a step towards ensuring continued access to free medical services. 

In addition, he offered each mother a financial package upon discharge, though the amount was not disclosed. The case has renewed debate over access to healthcare and the management of public hospitals amid Kenya’s ongoing rollout of the SHA programme. 

Reports that four mothers allegedly lost their newborns while waiting to be released have intensified public concern, although the hospital denies detaining any patients. Mama Lucy Hospital Chief Executive Officer Fredrick Obwanda rejected claims of unlawful detention, saying the hospital was protecting its financial stability. 

He confirmed that more than 100 women had remained at the facility while their bills were pending, warning that the hospital risked losing about Ksh2 million each day. Obwanda linked the issue to the low number of mothers registered under the SHA, noting that many had failed to enrol during pregnancy despite efforts to promote the scheme through ward-level outreach.

“In seven days, we are talking about losing about Ksh10 million,” Obwanda said, urging Kenyans to register for the national health insurance scheme.

Some mothers have also complained about the conditions at the hospital, citing overcrowding, lack of bedding, and poor sanitation. Several reported being forced to sleep on benches or share beds with other patients.