Nairobi, Kenya- The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has issued a six-month ultimatum for facilities located in petrol stations and residential buildings to relocate—or face closure.
In a notice posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, KMPDC made it clear: medical facilities should not be operating in restricted areas due to safety concerns and the risk of infection spread.
“Health facilities located in restricted areas, such as petrol stations and residential buildings, are hereby notified that these locations are unsuitable for healthcare operations,” the council stated.
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has given health facilities in residential areas, such as petrol stations and residential buildings, six months to relocate; cites risk of infections and safety of patients. #KBCniYetu ^RO
The move aims to protect patients, healthcare workers, and the surrounding community from potential hazards, including exposure to flammable materials, inadequate infrastructure, and noise disturbances that could compromise patient care.
Noncompliance? Expect Closure
KMPDC has made its stance clear—facilities must relocate within six months or risk being shut down. And this isn’t an empty threat.
The council has a track record of clamping down on noncompliant health centers.
Health facilities located in restricted areas, such as petrol stations and residential buildings, are hereby notified that these locations are unsuitable for healthcare operations. This restriction aims to reduce the spread of infections and ensure the safety of patients.…
In March 2024, KMPDC shut down 80 health facilities in Kajiado County for failing to meet regulatory standards. Some were unlicensed, while others lacked qualified medical personnel.
The problem is even bigger nationwide. A July 2024 report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu revealed that over 9,000 health facilities in Kenya were operating without a valid KMPDC license.
Out of the 16,527 registered health facilities, only 7,518 (46pc) met the required licensing standards.
This raises serious concerns about the quality of medical services in unregulated facilities.
A fully licensed health center must meet strict standards regarding equipment, staff qualifications, and infrastructure to ensure quality patient care.