Patients at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH) in Kisii County have raised concerns over what they describe as a slow and frustrating discharge process, saying the delays are increasing medical bills, causing congestion in wards and prolonging emotional stress for families.
Those interviewed Sarturday said they lately wait for days after being cleared by doctors before they officially leave the facility.
The delays are mainly attributed to lengthy administrative procedures, and slow billing processes.
Others said the hospital management has been telling them of system failure at the billing system.
We could not independently verify the claims from the hospital management following strict protocol regulations governing media responses at the facility
“I was told by the doctor that I could go home the day after Christmas but today , one 3rd January 2026 I am stuck here at the ward with my patient .. they told me there was a system failure,” said a care giver whose patient checked into the facility a month ago.
Similar frustrations were echoed by other caregivers who said that prolonged discharge process at the facility was disrupting their work schedules and increasing costs for meals and accommodation.
Patients said they had been forced to remain in hospital wards even after full recovery.
“The hospital is overcrowded, yet beds are occupied by patients who are already well but stuck because of paperwork,” said a relative of a patient in the medical ward. “This affects new patients who need admission.”
Some expectant eomen at the maternity said they were especially hard hit with more others claiming that they were sharing beds.
In some worse cases, three patients are forced to share a bed said a patient declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.
She demanded urgent intervention from hospital management and county health officials.
“For a week now it has been hell, it perturbs that we three expectant women can sleep in the same bed… where is the dignity of those seeking health services here,” lamented another by phone.
Others urged the authorities to act quickly, warning that continued congestion could compromise the quality of care and patient safety.
“As patients, we just want timely and dignified treatment,” one patient said. “Health is a right, not a privilege.”
Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital serves not only Kisii County residents but also patients referred from neighboring counties, further straining its capacity.
A doctor, speaking on anonymously said efforts are being done to address the problem.
“We are working with the county government to address staffing and space challenges at the moment,” he stated.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
