The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has announced a major crackdown on health facilities operating without proper authorization, leading to the closure of 544 facilities and the revocation of licenses for another 454 hospitals across the country.
In a gazette notice released on Friday, August 29, the regulatory body explained that the affected institutions were either not registered, had failed to renew their licenses, or were operating without meeting the required healthcare standards.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, in accordance with section 15 (11) and section 22 (5), has closed the following premises for being used as health institutions without being duly registered or licensed,” the notice partly read.
Reasons for the Closures
According to KMPDC, several hospitals and clinics were found to be employing unqualified staff, including unregistered or unlicensed medical practitioners. Others were operating with inadequate infrastructure, with some lacking crucial departments such as pharmacies, maternity wards, or laboratories.
The inspection also revealed that a number of facilities had poor sanitation standards and unsafe waste disposal methods, which posed serious risks to patient safety and public health.
KMPDC emphasized that these measures are meant to protect Kenyans from unsafe medical practices and ensure that all health institutions operate under strict professional and hygiene standards.
Legal Backing and Inspection Rules
The shutdowns were carried out in line with the 2022 Inspections and Licensing Rules, developed under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (CAP 253).
These rules provide a structured framework to regulate health institutions, enforce regular inspections, and ensure annual renewal of licenses. Any hospital or clinic found to be non-compliant risks being downgraded, suspended, or completely shut down.
Earlier inspections of 288 health facilities had already led to the suspension of 158 facilities and the downgrading of 28 others. Out of these, only 105 were cleared to continue operating at their current status.
Public Guidance and Affected Regions
To ensure transparency, KMPDC has published a full list of all facilities that were flagged during the inspections. Nairobi City County recorded the highest number of closures, with more than 200 facilities shut down. Other counties that have been affected include Homa Bay, Kisii, Wajir, and Mandera.
The council urged Kenyans to be vigilant when seeking medical care and to always confirm that the hospitals they visit are properly licensed and staffed with qualified professionals.
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