The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has issued a directive requiring health facilities operating in petrol stations and residential buildings to relocate within six months. This move is aimed at enhancing patient safety and maintaining healthcare standards.
In a statement released on their official X account on March 12, KMPDC stated that petrol stations and residential areas are unsuitable locations for healthcare operations due to safety risks and infrastructural inadequacies.
“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.
The directive aims to prevent potential hazards such as exposure to flammable materials, spread of infections, and disturbances that could compromise patient care. KMPDC warned that failure to comply with the relocation order would result in facility closures.
KMPDC is responsible for regulating the training, practice, and licensing of healthcare institutions in Kenya. This includes private and mission hospitals, medical and dental centers, nursing and maternity homes, and standalone funeral homes. The council has in the past enforced strict compliance measures to ensure that medical facilities meet set standards.
For instance, in March 2024, KMPDC shut down 80 healthcare facilities in Kajiado County for failing to comply with licensing regulations. According to KMPDC CEO David Kariuki, the closures were due to non-compliance with licensing rules, failure to meet operational standards, and employment of unregistered personnel.
Concerns over unlicensed healthcare facilities have also been highlighted in official reports. A July 2024 report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu revealed that out of 16,527 registered health facilities in 2023, only 7,518 (46%) had valid licenses, leaving 9,009 (54%) operating without proper authorization.
A fully licensed facility must meet requirements in staffing, equipment, and infrastructure to ensure quality medical services. KMPDC’s latest directive underscores the need for regulatory compliance and patient safety, reinforcing its commitment to upholding healthcare standards in Kenya.
Healthcare providers affected by this directive now have until September 2025 to relocate to compliant locations or risk closure.
