Government to inspect 160 cosmetic clinics following woman’s death

The government will inspect 160 cosmetic clinics across Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Mombasa following the tragic death of Lucy Wambui, who succumbed to complications from a cosmetic procedure.

The State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards is spearheading the crackdown to ensure facilities comply with safety and ethical standards.

In a statement on Monday, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the inspections will target 126 beauty and medical spas and 34 plastic surgery centres.

She noted that a joint team of health regulators, led by the Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority, will verify whether these establishments adhere to safety protocols and are staffed by qualified professionals.

"These inspections will check that the facilities are following safety guidelines, ethical practices and that they are staffed by qualified professionals. Facilities that fail to meet these standards will face strict penalties, including possible closure and legal action," she said.

The State Department has reiterated its dedication to ensuring Kenyans have access to safe, high-quality healthcare provided by qualified professionals in licensed facilities.

Muthoni stated that this commitment is fundamental to protecting public health and maintaining professional standards within the medical and wellness sectors.

In light of Wambui’s death, the department has urged all healthcare providers to strictly follow regulations, prioritise patient safety, and uphold ethical practices.

Members of the public have also been advised to seek services only at licensed facilities staffed by certified professionals for any medical or cosmetic procedures.

The crackdown comes three days after the National Assembly launched an investigation into the Body by Design clinic in Nairobi following the death of the 47-year-old woman.

The inquiry, led by the Health Committee, aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding Wambui's death and determine whether the clinic and others like it meet regulatory standards.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) subsequently closed the clinic, citing non-compliance with essential medical standards and patient safety regulations.

Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi raised the issue at the National Assembly last week on Wednesday, urging an investigation not only into the details of Wambui's case but also into the broader cosmetic surgery industry in Kenya.

Elachi called for a thorough review of Body by Design's licensing and an evaluation of whether it and similar clinics adhere to regulatory standards set by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).

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