Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA) has launched a countrywide crackdown on unregistered health professionals.
In a statement on Friday, KHPOA Chief Executive Officer Dr Jackson Kioko noted that health professionals practicing without valid practice licenses risk being prosecuted.
According to KHPOA, the exercise is meant to protect the public from harm and promote quality patient-client-centered healthcare in accordance with the law.
"This notice serves as an official reminder and caution to health professionals practicing in healthcare or providing health-related services without the necessary authorization and valid practice license from respective or relevant health regulatory bodies," the statement read in part.
"Providing health services without a valid practice license, not only violates ethical principles governing health profession, but also poses significant risks to the health and welfare of individuals seeking services."
KHPOA noted that it had received numerous complaints from members of the public who claimed that some health professionals were practicing despite lacking practicing license.
"It is now notified to the general public and potential employers that no health professional will be eligible to practice in the country whose name is not included in the respective professional registers and that he or she does not have a valid practice license effective from December 1, 2023," KHPOA noted.
"The public is urged to remain vigilant and cautious when seeking healthcare services; and to do so, with health professionals and facility that are registered and licensed accordingly."
The agency also encourages the public to report any concerns about noncompliance in service delivery to the respective regulatory body or the Authority.
KHPOA assured that all health professionals must remain accountable and recognise the gravity of their actions and take steps to comply with regulatory requirements.
"To this end, the health and well-being of the public should always remain a top priority, and compliance to approved standards and regulations is essential in maintaining trust towards the attainment of the highest quality of care," KHPOA stated.
On November 25, 2026, the agency apprehended seven fake doctors who were found busy treating patients and even prescribing medicines, in three counties.
Government inspectors also found 37 health facilities in Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu counties were actively serving patients yet they were not even registered.
