Alarm as infants, foetuses outnumber unclaimed bodies at Nakuru County Morgue Annex

A recent notice from the Nakuru County morgue has revealed a worrying trend of more infants than adults being among the unclaimed bodies awaiting disposal at the Nakuru South Cemetery.

The Nakuru Annex morgue (Kwa Jack) has listed at least 21 infant and foetus cases, compared to 17 adults, highlighting a silent crisis linked to suspected stillbirths, unwanted pregnancies, and suspected unsafe abortions.

The hospital is now seeking assistance from the public and other agencies to trace families of the deceased before a planned disposal at Nakuru South Cemetery if no relatives come forward within 21 days.

The records document a total of 38 cases, comprising 22 children (including 21 fetuses/babies and 1 child aged 14 years) and 16 adults.

Among the adults, there are 13 males and 3 females.

The causes of death reveal a deeply concerning picture of stillbirths dominating with 21 cases, followed by sudden deaths accounting for 4 cases.

Drowning claimed 3 lives, while suicide also resulted in 3 deaths. Road traffic accidents (RTA) were responsible for 3 fatalities, and 2 cases were recorded as murder. Additionally, there was 1 natural death and 1 death resulting from mob injustice.

The overwhelming number of stillbirths, representing more than half of all recorded deaths, underscores a critical maternal and neonatal health crisis in Nakuru County. In contrast, the presence of violent deaths, including murder and mob injustice, alongside accidents from drowning and road traffic incidents, points to broader public safety and security challenges facing the community.

At the Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital (NCRTH), 11 adult bodies remain unclaimed.

These bodies have been in the mortuaries beyond the legally stipulated period, three months, consuming resources in preservation and other logistics.

In line with the Public Health Act (Cap 242) and established mortuary management procedures, the County has issued a 21-day public notice. Should the bodies remain unclaimed after this period, the department will proceed with lawful and dignified disposal.

Members of the public who may have information regarding the deceased persons, or who believe they may be relatives, are urged to visit the respective hospital mortuaries within the notice period with proof of relationship for verification and necessary arrangements.