Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has presented the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill (No. 41 of 2025) before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health for review and discussion. The Bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework that promotes high standards of healthcare, enhances accountability, and protects patients’ rights in line with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
The proposed legislation addresses longstanding gaps in the uniform regulation of healthcare services, which have allowed unqualified practitioners and unauthorized facilities to operate without adequate oversight. These shortcomings have often led to compromised patient safety, reduced quality of care, and erosion of public confidence in the health system.
According to the Health Cabinet Secretary, the Bill aims to introduce a unified regulatory mechanism for the registration, licensing, and accreditation of health facilities. By standardizing oversight across the healthcare sector, it seeks to ensure consistency, fairness, and reliability in service delivery while reinforcing mechanisms for professional accountability.
A notable provision of the Bill is the establishment of a Health Sector Tribunal, which will be tasked with resolving disputes within the health sector. The tribunal will provide a fair and efficient platform for handling complaints, promoting innovation, and upholding the rights of healthcare providers and patients alike.
In addition to the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, the Cabinet Secretary also presented the Health and Medical Practitioners and Dentists (Amendment) Bills, 2024. These proposed amendments are designed to regulate medical training institutions and curb the increasing commercialization of health education. The government aims to ensure that all health training programs align with national and international standards to produce competent professionals capable of delivering safe and effective care.
The Committee emphasized the importance of practitioners operating within their professional scope to maintain safety and quality in patient care. It further noted that streamlined regulatory structures are essential in ensuring that healthcare delivery across the country remains ethical, lawful, and patient-focused.
The Bills collectively represent a significant step toward strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system through improved governance, enhanced oversight, and greater accountability — ensuring every citizen receives safe, high-quality medical care.
