Mbagathi Hospital Halts Inmate Healthcare Over Ksh 12M Unpaid Bill

Inmates at Nairobi’s Mbagathi Hospital have been denied medical services after the facility suspended treatment for prisoners. The suspension follows an unpaid bill exceeding Ksh 12 million owed by the Kenya Prisons Service.

The standoff began on August 4, 2025, when the hospital stopped offering medical care to inmates. Talks between the hospital and the State Department for Correctional Services are ongoing, but no solution has been reached.

Mbagathi Hospital Halts Inmate Healthcare Over Ksh 12M Unpaid Bill

Years of Unpaid Bills at Mbagathi Hospital

According to Mbagathi Hospital management, the unpaid bills go back several years. By November 2024, the debt had already hit Ksh 6.7 million for services provided between July 2018 and November 2022.

Despite multiple reminders, the Kenya Prisons Service failed to settle the arrears. As a result, the total bill has ballooned to over Ksh 12 million.

Impact on Healthcare Services

Hospital officials revealed that the mounting debt has crippled their ability to procure essential medical supplies.

Due to limited resources, they say suspending inmate healthcare was the only sustainable option to keep the facility operational.

Kenya Prisons Service Responds

The Kenya Prisons Service has appealed to Mbagathi Hospital to reverse the suspension. Officials have proposed discussions to establish a structured payment plan.

Meanwhile, prison authorities are seeking alternative hospitals to handle urgent medical cases among inmates.

What Happens Next?

The situation remains unresolved as both parties continue negotiations. If no agreement is reached, inmates may continue facing challenges accessing proper healthcare.