NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s health authorities are tightening the reins on beauty spas and plastic surgery centers, launching a nationwide assessment to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
The move, spearheaded by the Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA), comes after a tragic incident spotlighted the dangers of unregulated medical procedures.
In a recent statement, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced that 126 beauty and medical spas, along with 34 plastic surgery clinics, in cities like Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Mombasa are under scrutiny.
“These inspections will check that the facilities are following safety guidelines, ethical practices, and that they are staffed by qualified professionals,” Muthoni explained, warning that non-compliant establishments face penalties, including closure and legal action.
The crackdown follows the death of Lucy Wambui Ng’ang’a, a patient who lost her life after a botched procedure at the Body by Design clinic.
This tragic event prompted the Health Ministry to order a nationwide audit of all clinics offering plastic surgery to ensure adherence to health standards and safeguard patient safety.
KHPOA, tasked with coordinating the assessments, has been given 30 days to compile and submit a comprehensive report on the findings.
Health officials are emphasizing that the inspections are about more than just enforcement—they’re a matter of public health. .
“The public should only seek services at licensed facilities staffed by certified professionals,” Muthoni advised, highlighting the risks posed by unqualified practitioners.
She also reminded healthcare providers to strictly follow health regulations and uphold ethical practices.
As Kenya’s beauty and medical spa industry grows, there is also a need to strengthen regulations within the sector.
For now, the focus is on ensuring facilities prioritize patient safety over profit, creating a safer environment for anyone considering medical or cosmetic procedures.
