KMPDC shuts down 511 health facilities in Nairobi, Wajir and Mandera over non-compliance
Of these, 376 were in Nairobi, 77 in Wajir, and 58 in Mandera. The facilities were closed for failing to meet the required healthcare delivery standards.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has closed a total of 511 health facilities in Nairobi, Wajir, and Mandera counties for failing to meet minimum infrastructural and operational standards.
Of these, 376 were in Nairobi, 77 in Wajir, and 58 in Mandera. The facilities were closed for failing to meet the required healthcare delivery standards.
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In a press release, KMPDC Chief Executive Officer David Kariuki said the majority of the facilities lacked essential departments such as pharmacies, laboratories, and maternity units. A further 267 facilities were downgraded, and 31 individuals were arrested.
Poor sanitation and environmental conditions — including inadequate water supply, insufficient sanitation facilities, and poor waste disposal systems — were cited among the key reasons for the mass closures.
The Council also reported that some facilities were operating without valid licences, while others had unregistered medical personnel, posing significant risks to patient safety and undermining the integrity of healthcare services.
Dr Kariuki said the downgraded facilities were found to be incapable of delivering the full range of services for which they were initially registered.
"They lacked essential medical supplies or functional equipment, or were understaffed — missing key personnel such as doctors, clinical officers, nurses, laboratory technicians, and pharmacists," said the KMPDC in a statement.
"These shortcomings meant they could not safely or effectively deliver the services expected at their designated level."
The Council stated that nationwide inspections are ongoing and urged health facilities to ensure availability and cooperation during the exercise.
Dr Kariuki warned that any facility found closed during its expected operating hours will be considered inactive, and will subsequently be marked as closed and removed from the Council’s register.
According to Dr Kariuki, the first phase of the inspection covered 1,525 private health facilities, as sanctioned by the Ministry of Health.
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