Two Mombasa MCAs have announced plans to move a motion aimed at reviewing and reducing the fees at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Fatma Kushe (Kadzandani) and Abdirahman Hussein (Old Town) cited growing concerns from residents who say the hospital’s bills have become higher than those of private facilities.
Governor Abdulswamad Nassir revealed that the hospital loses about Sh130 million annually in revenue due to waivers.
MCAs in the central business district receive about six waiver requests weekly, with those outside the CBD reporting up to 12 requests.
“Those going to Coast General often have limited means, so the hospital fees should be more affordable—not as expensive as private hospitals,” Hussein said.
During a committee meeting, the MCA, also known as Anza Fresh, received a waiver request for a family with a hospital bill exceeding Sh70,000.
He added that the waiver system lacks clear guidelines and decisions are often made arbitrarily by the governor or his aides. The proposed amendment will seek to establish clear criteria on eligibility and waiver amounts.
The two ward reps committed to proposing amendments to lower rates.
Kushe, who is the vice chair of the county assembly health committee, stressed the need to balance affordability with sustaining the hospital’s revenue for essential drugs and services.
“Waiver requests come in constantly and as MCAs, we face these appeals directly. It’s heartbreaking because families are suffering,” Kushe said.
She noted that MPs are protected by bodyguards and less accessible to such requests.
The governor recently announced plans for Mombasa Resident Cards, aimed at identifying locals for discounts and benefits at county health facilities.
However, Hussein expressed concerns about the programme’s feasibility and legal implications, pointing out that CGTRH serves patients from all six Coast counties.
“If the programme is reasonable and benefits our people, we will support it,” he said.
But nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi blamed MCAs for the crisis, saying they have the mandate but are yet to act.
“Go to your MCA and ask them to amend the rates. They have the power because they set them,” Abdillahi said at a public event.
