The Ministry of Health has ordered the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to shut down illegal aesthetic clinics operating across the country. This directive follows a comprehensive assessment of aesthetic clinics and beauty spas offering plastic surgery and invasive cosmetic procedures in major cities, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
The investigation, led by the Ministry of Health (MoH), aimed to evaluate compliance with licensing regulations and ensure the safety of cosmetic procedures. According to Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni Muriuki, 26 clinics were assessed, with 20 (77%) found to be fully compliant. Three clinics had applied for registration and were awaiting approval, while another three were discovered to be operating illegally without proper registration.
Additionally, 102 beauty spas were inspected, and seven were found to be offering invasive procedures such as micro-blading and micro-needling without proper registration or qualified personnel. The assessment also revealed critical shortcomings in emergency preparedness and infection prevention. Approximately 40% of the assessed facilities lacked essential emergency medical supplies, and 25% had inadequate infection prevention and control measures. Omnicare Medical Limited was not included in the assessment as it remains closed due to ongoing legal proceedings.
As part of the crackdown, PS Muriuki directed the KMPDC to immediately shut down all non-compliant facilities. Those with inadequate infection prevention and control measures have been given 30 days to comply with the recommended standards. Additionally, facilities lacking emergency medical provisions must equip emergency trays within 60 days, while aesthetic centers operating without Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must develop and implement them within the same period.
The government has also prohibited all beauty and medical spas from offering or advertising invasive medical procedures unless they are properly inspected, registered, and licensed. The move is part of ongoing efforts to regulate the cosmetic industry and enhance public safety.
The PS further emphasized that the government is developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for invasive cosmetic procedures in beauty and medical spas. This framework aims to enhance public protection, safety, and compliance with industry standards.
Members of the public have been urged to seek cosmetic and plastic surgery services only from licensed and qualified practitioners to avoid health risks associated with unregulated procedures. The Ministry of Health’s intervention underscores its commitment to ensuring that all medical and aesthetic procedures in Kenya meet the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
