The government has waived all medical bills for individuals injured during the recent anti-government protests, offering much-needed relief to victims and their families.
The decision was announced on June 30, 2025, as the country continues to come to terms with the aftermath of the nationwide demonstrations that took place on June 17 and 25. The protests, which saw thousands of Kenyans take to the streets to express their grievances, led to injuries, hospitalizations, and emotional trauma for many.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Health, it was confirmed that all patients treated at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) as a result of the protests will not be required to pay for their treatment. The ministry emphasized that the charges would be absorbed through the hospital’s Disaster Emergency Fund.
The directive also includes clearance of outstanding medical bills for deceased victims of the protests. Among the cases highlighted is that of the late Boniface Kariuki, whose hospital bill had accumulated to Ksh 815,805 before his death. This move ensures that grieving families are not left with the additional burden of large hospital debts.
The ministry acknowledged the pain and suffering endured by protest victims, reaffirming the government’s responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of all citizens, particularly in times of crisis. The waiver is part of broader efforts to support those affected by the demonstrations and to respond humanely to the consequences of civil unrest.
The decision follows growing public outcry over the government’s handling of the protests and the medical needs of injured civilians. Hospitals in Nairobi and other parts of the country had received a surge of patients during the demonstrations, with some reporting difficulties accessing or affording treatment.
Waiving the medical bills is seen by many as a step towards accountability and healing, although calls for deeper reforms and investigations into the cause of the injuries and the response by security forces persist.
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising it as a compassionate and timely intervention, while others argue that it should have been accompanied by further action to address the root causes of the protests and ensure justice for victims of violence.
As the country navigates this challenging period, attention is now turning to how the government will continue to support those affected, prevent further unrest, and engage with the demands raised by protestors in a constructive manner.
