KMPDC revokes 454 licenses, closes 544 facilities over non-compliance

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council has announced a nationwide crackdown on non-compliant health institutions, shutting down 544 facilities and revoking the licenses of 454 hospitals.

The move was captured in a gazette notice dated Friday, August 29, outlining the enforcement of medical laws and standards across the country.

The council explained that the closures and license cancellations targeted institutions that were either unregistered, unlicensed, or operating below the standards required by law.

In the notice, the regulator said, “It is notified for the general information of the public that the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, in accordance with section 15 (11) and section 22 (5), has closed the following premises for being used as health institutions without being duly registered or licensed, as stated below...”

According to the KMPDC, some hospitals had employed unregistered or unlicensed practitioners, while others lacked key infrastructure such as pharmacies, maternity wings, and laboratories. Poor sanitation and inadequate waste disposal were also flagged as posing direct risks to patient health.

The crackdown was conducted under the Inspections and Licensing Rules, 2022, established through the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (CAP 253).

These rules provide for structured regulation of health facilities, regular inspections, and the renewal of licenses on an annual basis.

The action followed an inspection of 288 health facilities on August 29, 2025, which resulted in the suspension of 158 facilities and the downgrading of 28 others.

Another 105 facilities were cleared to continue operating under their current status.

To guide the public, KMPDC said it would publish the names of all the closed and downgraded facilities. The council noted that this measure is meant to help patients identify and seek services only from fully compliant hospitals.