Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, has announced that all medical bills for victims of recent anti-government protests will be fully waived.
In a statement issued on Monday, 30 June, Duale said the decision followed the June 17 and 25 demonstrations, which left many Kenyans injured and traumatised.
“As a Ministry, our hearts go out to all those affected,” Duale said. “We remain committed to ensuring they receive the care and support they need.”
He directed the management of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to cancel all bills linked to protest injuries and instead charge them to the hospital’s Disaster Emergency Fund.
Among those covered by the waiver is the late Mr Boniface Kariuki. His outstanding hospital bill at the time of his death stood at KSh 815,805. Duale confirmed this amount would also be cleared.
The announcement comes amid growing public concern over police handling of the protests, as well as the mounting cost of emergency medical care for those caught in the unrest.
The Health Ministry has not disclosed how many patients will benefit from the waiver or the total cost involved.
