The announcement surprised many Kenyans, especially because circumcision is a common procedure in the country and is often done at a much lower cost in many health centres.
The hospital shared the information on Wednesday, November 12, saying that the offer was part of a special circumcision package for boys aged 14 years and below.
The package will be available from November to December 2025. In the notice, the hospital explained that the package includes the surgeon’s fee and the theatre charges.
According to the hospital, families will pay Ksh70,000 if they choose local anaesthesia and Ksh90,000 for general anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia numbs only the part being operated on, while general anaesthesia makes the patient sleep completely during the surgery.
The hospital insisted that it provides high-quality care and experienced specialists for all its procedures.
However, the cost shocked many Kenyans, and the notice quickly went viral on social media. Some people said the price was “too high” for what they consider a simple procedure, while others felt that private hospitals have the right to set their own fees.
One Kenyan online user wrote, “We have been doing this 15-minute procedure for free and even giving gifts like two pairs of underwear, a soda, and Ksh500 for transport.”
This comment referred to free circumcision camps and government-supported health programs that target young boys, especially during school holidays.
Another group of Kenyans defended the hospital, saying that private facilities offer comfort, privacy, and a controlled environment.
According to them, these benefits usually come with a higher cost. One person commented, “The market has given you options according to your pocket.”
Another added, “Did they force anyone to go there? People should go where they can afford.”
The debate highlighted the difference between traditional, public, and private health services in Kenya. In many communities, circumcision is done traditionally during cultural ceremonies for boys between 10 and 18 years.
In these settings, the cost is usually low or even free, and the procedure is combined with cultural teachings.
In public hospitals, circumcision is also affordable, and in some cases, the government or NGOs offer it at no cost. In recent years, Kenya has promoted Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) for men of all ages.
The program aims to reduce infections and improve men’s health. Through VMMC, boys and men can undergo the procedure safely at a lower cost or for free.
Private hospitals, on the other hand, often charge more because they include specialist fees, modern equipment, and better facilities.
In some high-end hospitals in Nairobi and other cities, even minor surgeries can cost over Ksh100,000. Because of this, some Kenyans felt the Ksh90,000 fee was “not surprising” and encouraged parents to choose the hospital that fits their financial ability.
The online debate also opened a wider conversation about the cost of healthcare in Kenya. Many parents worried that if simple procedures become this expensive, essential surgeries might be too costly for ordinary families.
Others argued that the government needs to do more to make private healthcare affordable or to improve public hospital services so people can have more reliable options.
Health experts also joined the discussion, reminding Kenyans that circumcision should always be done safely, especially for young children.
They said parents should choose certified health facilities and qualified medical workers, whether they go for public, private, or NGO-supported services.
According to them, safety, hygiene, and proper follow-up care are more important than cost alone.
The hospital that posted the notice has not responded to the online criticism. It simply stated in its notice that the price covers all professional services, including the surgeon, the theatre, and the follow-up care needed after the procedure.
While the debate continues, some Kenyans believe that this discussion is healthy because it forces people to talk openly about healthcare costs.
Others feel that the issue has been blown out of proportion and that the hospital is only offering a service to those who want it.
Circumcision remains one of the most widely practised traditions in Kenya, both for cultural and health reasons.
Whether done in a traditional setting, a public hospital, or a private facility, it remains an important part of growing up for many boys.
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