NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) have raised a red flag over the country’s healthcare sector.
In a joint statement seen by Y News, the two organisations maintained that there is a need for every Kenyan to receive quality healthcare that aligns with best medical practices, established legal frameworks, and global patient safety guidelines.
They observed that in recent times, there have been increasing demands by clinical officers and other allied healthcare providers to independently conduct surgical procedures, including Caesarean sections.
“While we recognise the critical role that all healthcare providers play in delivering services to our population, we must unequivocally state that surgery, particularly obstetric and gynecologic surgery, requires highly specialized training, rigorous and continuous competency assessments, and strict adherence to globally accepted medical and surgical safety standards,” the statement reads in part.
The statement signed by Dr. Diana Marion (secretary general KMA) and Dr. Kireki Omanwa (president KOGS) showed that the independent performance of such procedures by cadres without the requisite surgical training, accreditation, and oversight directly endangers the lives of mothers and newborns.
“Maternal mortality and morbidity remain a national concern, and inappropriate delegation of surgical responsibilities risks worsening this crisis further. The Legal and Ethical Imperatives: “Do No Harm” The scope of practice for various medical cadres in Kenya is clearly defined in law and reinforced through professional regulatory bodies,” the sateen further reads.
What KMA and KOGS are advocating for
Both medics reiterated that any expansion of these roles must be guided by robust evidence, structured training, and regulatory frameworks—not political lobbying or workforce shortages.
To this end, KMA and KOGS called upon the Ministry of Health, Parliament, and all relevant stakeholders to uphold professional standards by ensuring that any modifications to healthcare practice are backed by scientific evidence and rigorous competency-based training, rather than political negotiations.
They also want stakeholders to prioritise patient safety by maintaining a structured, team-based approach where all professionals work within their regulated scope of practice to enhance patient outcomes rather than compromise them.
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At the same time, KMA and KOGS called for the strengthening of the surgical training pipeline, which should be done by investing in training more medical specialists and medical officers to meet the growing demand for surgical services while ensuring patient safety is not compromised.
Why much has not been done in Kenya’s health sector
The two medical bodies also pushed for enhancing oversight and regulation by ensuring that all surgical procedures are conducted by professionals legally recognised and adequately trained to perform them, including the facilitation of medical training via formal medical schools for clinical officers who wish to pursue this path.
Lastly, they called for engagement in meaningful stakeholder consultations whereby any proposed changes in medical practice must involve substantive engagement with professional bodies, medical regulatory authorities, and the wider healthcare community.
“Kenya has made significant strides in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and improving the general well-being of women, but much remains to be done. Compromising surgical safety through unregulated practices will only erode the gains we have made,” reads the statement.
JOINT STATEMENT BY THE KENYA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (KMA) AND THE KENYA OBSTETRICAL AND GYNAECOLOGICAL SOCIETY (KOGS) ON THE SAFETY AND QUALITY OF SURGICAL CARE IN MATERNAL HEALTH kma.co.ke/images/KMA_AND…
KMA and KOGS disclosed that they will continue advocating for evidence-based policies that protect patients, uphold professional integrity, and strengthen Kenya’s health system.
“We urge the Ministry of Health and policymakers to remain steadfast in upholding the principles of safe, high-quality, and patient-centred care for all Kenyans,” the statement concluded.
