KMPDC shuts down 158 health facilities, downgrades 25 over failure to meet medical standards
The Council said the move follows an inspection of 288 facilities, which also led to the downgrading of 25 and retention of 105 at their current operational level.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has shut down 158 health facilities across Nairobi, citing lack of registration, unlicensed practitioners and failure to meet required medical standards.
The Council said the move follows an inspection of 288 facilities, which also led to the downgrading of 25 and retention of 105 at their current operational level.
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In a statement on Thursday, KMPDC CEO David Kariuki raised concerns that most of the affected facilities lacked essential infrastructure such as pharmacies, laboratories, or maternity units, while others were found with poor sanitation and unsafe waste disposal practices.
He emphasised that poor infrastructure, sanitation challenges, and improper waste management posed a direct threat to patients’ health.
“Most of the facilities that were shut down or downgraded were unregistered or unlicensed, had employed practitioners that were unregistered or unlicensed or were operating below the required standards. Others lacked critical infrastructure such as pharmacies, maternity wings and laboratories. Others faced sanitation issues, inadequate waste disposal, posing a direct threat to patient health,” he said.
The Council noted that the nationwide inspection exercise is being conducted in collaboration with county governments and other health regulatory agencies to enforce the Inspections and Licensing Rules, 2022. The rules were developed under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (CAP 253) to ensure patient safety, deter unethical practices, and enhance quality healthcare delivery.
Under the Inspections and Licensing Rules, 2022, all health facilities are required to undergo regular inspections and annual license renewals. The framework empowers KMPDC to suspend or revoke licenses of non-compliant facilities and practitioners while also promoting accountability, transparency and continuous improvement in healthcare delivery.
“These regulations are not only meant to enforce order but also to promote accountability, transparency and continuous improvement in healthcare delivery. By ensuring that only licensed, well-equipped and professionally staffed facilities operate in the country, the Council is working to reduce the risk of medical errors, malpractice and unsafe treatment environments,” KMPDC said.
The Council further announced that the names of all closed facilities will be published in the Kenya Gazette to guide members of the public in choosing compliant healthcare providers.
It added that details of the closures have also been shared with the National Government Administration Office, county governments, the Social Health Authority, the Digital Health Authority, and other health regulatory bodies to ensure continued compliance.
“Our primary duty is to protect patients. We will continue to enforce these regulations firmly and fairly, so that every Kenyan receives the quality healthcare they deserve,” Kariuki said.
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