The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has shut down 158 health facilities in Nairobi and downgraded 25 others after inspections revealed serious risks to patient safety.
The inspections, which were carried out across 288 facilities within the city, uncovered a range of violations including unlicensed operations, poor standards of service, and failure to meet basic health requirements. According to the regulator, the primary objective of the crackdown is to safeguard patients and ensure healthcare facilities adhere to the highest professional standards.
A significant number of the facilities closed were either unregistered, employing unlicensed medical practitioners, or operating well below the required standards. Some were found to be lacking essential infrastructure such as pharmacies, maternity wings, and laboratories. Others were cited for poor sanitation and improper waste disposal, raising fears of possible public health risks.
In addition to outright closures, several facilities were downgraded due to failure to maintain the minimum threshold for service provision. This means they will only be allowed to operate at a limited capacity until they meet the full requirements.
The council emphasized that protecting patients remains its top priority, noting that strict enforcement of healthcare regulations will continue across the country. The inspections were guided by the Inspections and Licensing Rules, 2022, under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (CAP 253). These rules require regular checks and annual license renewals for all health facilities. Non-compliant institutions risk suspension or complete revocation of their operating licenses.
To enhance transparency, the regulator will publish the full list of closed and downgraded facilities to guide members of the public seeking medical services. The information has already been shared with key stakeholders including the National Government Administration Office, county governments, the Social Health Authority, the Digital Health Authority, and other health regulatory bodies to ensure enforcement and continued compliance.
The council has stressed that the ongoing crackdown is aimed at eliminating unethical practices within the healthcare sector, boosting patient safety, and improving overall quality of healthcare delivery nationwide. By holding health facilities accountable, the council hopes to rebuild trust in the system and guarantee that every Kenyan has access to safe, reliable, and ethical medical services.
