By TWV Correspondent
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has issued a stern warning to health facility owners and administrators across the country over the illegal hiring of unregistered and unlicensed medical personnel. In a public statement, KMPDC Chief Executive Officer David Kariuki cautioned that such practices not only breach the law but also endanger the lives of patients.
According to KMPDC, employing unqualified individuals, including medical, dental, or community oral health practitioners, constitutes a serious offence under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act. Any person found practising without proper registration and licensing risks a fine of up to Sh5 million, imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both.
Health facility heads who knowingly hire such individuals also face stiff penalties. The council warned that administrators found guilty of engaging unlicensed or unregistered practitioners could be fined up to Sh10 million, imprisoned for up to five years, or face both sanctions.
KMPDC further stressed that all health institutions must ensure their medical staff are properly vetted and legally recognised. The council clarified that this requirement applies equally to Kenyan and foreign practitioners. Facilities are also required to report any unlicensed or unregistered personnel currently in their employment.
Foreign practitioners are subject to additional scrutiny. Even if holding a valid licence, foreign medical and dental professionals are permitted to practise only at the specific facilities indicated in their licences. Institutions seeking to employ foreign practitioners must notify KMPDC in advance, while those undertaking postgraduate studies must register with the council before beginning any clinical training or activities.
“These measures are not optional,” said Kariuki. “They are legal requirements aimed at safeguarding public health and upholding professional standards in the sector.”
KMPDC also announced that nationwide inspections and audits are currently underway, targeting both local and foreign medical practitioners and health institutions. The inspections aim to ensure full compliance with legal and ethical standards governing healthcare delivery in Kenya.
The council’s renewed focus on enforcement is part of a broader strategy to reinforce patient safety and restore public confidence in the country’s health sector.
KMPDC urged all stakeholders to adhere strictly to existing regulations, warning that continued non-compliance not only jeopardises patient well-being but also erodes the credibility of Kenya’s healthcare system.
