Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has confirmed the release of all mothers previously reported as being held at Riley Mother and Baby Hospital due to documentation issues.
The clarification comes in response to recent public concern raised by a viral TikTok video and media reports from Daily Nation (September 18) and Citizen TV (September 21), which highlighted cases of mothers allegedly detained over unpaid hospital bills and missing documentation for Social Health Authority (SHA) registration.
In the statement, MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Philip K. Kirwa confirmed the mothers have been discharged and returned safely to their homes.
“All affected clients have been discharged and returned safely to their homes," the statement read in part.
Dr. Kirwa explained that patients who were unable to present the necessary documents, such as national ID cards or birth certificates, had their cases reviewed and appropriately cleared by the Hospital Credit and Evaluation Committee.
"Those who were unable to present the requisite documentation for Social Health Authority (SHA) registration, such as national identification cards or birth certificates, had their cases reviewed and appropriately cleared by the Hospital Credit and Evaluation Committee,” Kirwa said.
The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to the provision of high-quality, dignified healthcare to all patients, urging all Kenyans, especially those seeking services at the facility, to register with the Social Health Authority and ensure their premium contributions are up-to-date to avoid interruptions in access to healthcare services.
“We urge Kenyans, including clients seeking services at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), to enrol with the Social Health Authority and ensure that their premium contributions are up-to-date; for uninterrupted access to healthcare services,” the statement read.
The issue comes amid growing tension between health facilities and the government over delayed SHA payments.
On Sunday, the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) announced that, starting Monday, September 22, 2025, all private hospitals under its umbrella would start demanding cash payments from SHA-covered patients.
RUPHA said the shift was necessary due to prolonged delays and non-payment from SHA, making it financially unsustainable to continue offering services on credit.
