The Nairobi City County Health, Wellness, and Nutrition sector issued a statement on Sunday, urging anyone who has lost contact with loved ones or is unsure of their whereabouts to visit the Nairobi Funeral Home (formerly City Mortuary) to check if their relatives are among the unclaimed bodies at the facility.
The county made this appeal due to a severe capacity crisis at the funeral home, which is currently holding over 600 bodies, far exceeding its limit of 184.
“The funeral home has exceeded its capacity, and it is crucial for the public to come forward and identify their deceased relatives to free up space. The Nairobi City County is also seeking court approval to dispose of the unclaimed bodies,” the statement said.
The county explained that its efforts to obtain legal clearance for the disposal of the unclaimed bodies have been delayed. As per the Public Health Act Cap 242, bodies must be kept for at least three months before a court can order their disposal. Furthermore, the law requires a 14-day public notice before any further action is taken.
The county has already notified the Attorney General’s office, and the case is set to be heard at the Milimani Court on October 15, 2024. “During the hearing, the county will seek a court order to dispose of the unclaimed bodies,” the statement added.
