Kenyans are calling out Nairobi Hospital after it revealed the cost of its circumcision package for boys aged 14 and below. The notice, shared on November 12, announced that parents will pay Ksh70,000 for procedures done under local anaesthesia and Ksh90,000 for general anaesthesia.
The figures ignited instant uproar online, with many Kenyans accusing the top hospital of setting unrealistic medical fees during tough economic times. Others argued that the hospital is simply pricing a premium service. The debate continues to grow louder.
Nairobi Hospital Circumcision Charges Trigger Public Outrage
Nairobi Hospital found itself on the receiving end after announcing its circumcision package for male children. The package runs from November to December 2025 and includes the surgeon’s fee and theatre charges. The hospital promoted the offer by promising high quality care for boys undergoing the procedure, but Kenyans felt the pricing crossed the line.
The package outlines two options. Procedures done under local anaesthesia cost Ksh70,000, while those under general anaesthesia cost Ksh90,000. This table summarises the charges.
| Type of Anaesthesia | Cost in Ksh |
|---|---|
| Local Anaesthesia | 70,000 |
| General Anaesthesia | 90,000 |
Once the notice went live, Kenyans took to social media to question why a standard procedure would attract such high fees. Many argued that circumcision is a routine surgery that lasts less than 30 minutes and should not cost more than the average monthly salary of many households.
One user wrote that they have been offering the same procedure for free during community drives. They claimed that their teams even provide boys with two pairs of underwear, a soda and a Ksh500 transport reimbursement. Similar comments flooded timelines, with many comparing the charges with what public hospitals and smaller private facilities demand.
Still, some Kenyans defended the hospital. They stated that medical care operates under a free market system. They claimed that parents can choose a facility depending on their financial strength. One user asked critics whether the hospital forced anyone to take their sons there.
The debate highlighted the wide gap between Kenya’s premium healthcare facilities and the reality faced by ordinary families.
Kenyans Question Value For Money
Many Kenyans felt that the Nairobi Hospital Circumcision Charges failed to justify the cost. They insisted that the hospital should have explained why a minor surgery costs nearly Ksh100,000.
For most families, basic circumcision is a common outpatient procedure performed in clinics across the country. Parents argued that paying such a high amount for a routine surgery made little financial sense. They noted that the same procedure costs a fraction of the price at mission hospitals and county hospitals.
Several online users claimed that Nairobi Hospital appears detached from the financial struggles of ordinary Kenyans. They questioned whether the hospital considered the economic pressure facing families before setting the fees.
Others Defend Premium Pricing
Not everyone criticised the Nairobi Hospital Circumcision Charges. A section of Kenyans insisted that a facility of its calibre will naturally charge more. They argued that those seeking premium services should be willing to pay premium prices.
Some parents supported the hospital’s explanation that the package covers theatre fees, surgeon costs and enhanced safety measures. They pointed out that other high-end hospitals charge more than Ksh100,000 for similar procedures.
Supporters saw the uproar as unnecessary. They argued that the medical field offers many options and that parents should simply pick facilities that suit their budgets. To them, the charges reflected an open market, not exploitation.
Circumcision Remains A Key Cultural And Health Practice
Circumcision holds cultural, social and medical importance in Kenya. Communities from different regions treat it as a rite of passage for boys. The practice has also gained support from health experts who promote it for its long-term health benefits.
While traditional circumcision targets boys between 10 and 18, modern medical procedures cover all age groups. In recent years, the government has promoted Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision to encourage safer, medically supervised procedures.
The new controversy places the spotlight on the rising cost of healthcare. It raises questions about whether important procedures are slowly becoming unaffordable to many Kenyan families.
