The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has announced the closure of 544 health facilities and the revocation of licenses for 454 hospitals across the country.
In a gazette notice dated Friday, August 29, the KMPDC stated that the facilities were shut down or downgraded because they were either unregistered or unlicensed.
"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," the notice read in part.
According to the KMPDC, some of the hospitals closed had employed unregistered or unlicensed practitioners or were operating below the required standards.
KMPDC added that some facilities lacked essential infrastructure, including pharmacies, maternity wards and laboratories.
Some facilities also had sanitation and waste disposal issues, which posed a direct threat to patient health.
The closures were carried out in line with the 2022 Inspections and Licensing Rules, which were developed under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (CAP 253).
This crackdown followed an inspection of 288 facilities which led to the suspension of 158 facilities and the downgrading of 28 others.
Another 105 facilities were allowed to maintain their current operational status.
The inspection rules provide a structured framework for regulating health facilities, managing regular inspections, and ensuring annual license renewals. Non-compliant facilities risk having their licenses revoked or being completely shut down.
To guide the public, the KMPDC published the names of all the flagged health facilities.
Nairobi City County tops the list with over 200 facilities shut down. Other counties with closures include Homa Bay, Kisii, Wajir, and Mandera.
