KMPDC warns health facilities hiring unlicensed medical staff risk heavy fines and jail terms
KMPDC Chief Executive Officer David Kariuki reminded healthcare institutions that engaging unqualified personnel puts patients’ lives at risk and violates the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has warned health facility owners and administrators that hiring unregistered or unlicensed medical, dental, or community oral health practitioners is illegal and punishable by heavy fines or jail terms.
In a public notice on Tuesday, KMPDC Chief Executive Officer David Kariuki reminded healthcare institutions that engaging unqualified personnel puts patients’ lives at risk and violates the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act.
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“Any person practising without being duly registered and licensed by KMPDC commits an offence,” Kariuki said.
Such individuals face a fine of up to Sh5 million, up to five years in prison, or both.
The council said it is also an offence for any person in charge of a health institution to knowingly employ or engage an unlicensed or unregistered practitioner.
The penalty for such facility heads is a fine not exceeding Sh10 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
Meet legal requirements
“Employing any unregistered practitioner, whether they are Kenyan or foreign, is a serious offence,” the council stated, adding that institutions must ensure all their medical staff meet legal requirements.
Facilities must also report any unlicensed or unregistered staff currently working with them to KMPDC immediately.
KMPDC further reminded institutions that foreign medical and dental practitioners are only allowed to work in the specific locations indicated on their licenses.
Even if they are already licensed, facilities must notify the council before engaging foreign professionals.
Foreigners pursuing postgraduate studies in Kenya must also register with the council before beginning their programs or any clinical work.
The registration is required for assessment and to eventually be issued a license.
KMPDC emphasised that inspections and audits are ongoing across the country, targeting both local and foreign practitioners.
“We are actively reviewing foreign medical practitioners and health facilities to ensure compliance,” Kariuki said.
The council urged all stakeholders to prioritise patient safety and follow the law strictly.
“Non-compliance with these rules puts patients in danger and weakens public trust in our health system,” he added.
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