Hospitals in Kenya are upgraded through a structured process guided by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council and the Ministry of Health.
These standards fall under frameworks such as the Kenya Essential Package for Health (KEPH) and the Kenya Quality Assurance Model for Health (KQAMH), which classify and regulate all health facilities in the country.
Under the KEPH system, hospitals are grouped into six levels based on the type and the services they provide.
Each level represents a step up in capacity, staffing, and specialization
They include:
- Level 1: Community Health Units
- Level 2: Dispensaries and clinics (basic outpatient services)
- Level 3: Health centers (outpatient care plus maternity services)
- Level 4: Primary hospitals (sub-county level)
- Level 5: Secondary referral hospitals (county level)
- Level 6: National teaching, referral, or specialized hospitals
Requirements for a Hospital Upgrade in Kenya
To qualify for an upgrade, a health facility must meet strict requirements set by regulators across five key areas.
For a hospital to be upgraded, the services offered must expand to include more advanced and comprehensive care than its current level.
The health facility must also have the necessary infrastructure, including adequate buildings, wards, and appropriate medical equipment to support higher-level services.
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A hospital will be upgraded if it employs qualified staff, including specialists where required.
Beyond that, there must be proper documentation, such as clear policies, accurate records, and active quality improvement systems to ensure accountability and consistency in care.
Additionally, a hospital is upgraded if it complies with all mandatory standards, including licensing requirements, safety regulations, and emergency preparedness measures.
Inspection Process for Hospitals Upgrade
Once a hospital is ready for an upgrade, it undergoes an official assessment conducted by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council or inspectors using standardized checklists.
For public hospitals, the process is usually driven by county or national governments through investments in infrastructure, equipment, and personnel, while Private health facilities apply directly for inspection.
During this process, facilities are scored and graded based on their level of compliance.
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Hospitals that achieve 81 percent or higher are considered fully compliant and eligible for an upgrade.
Further, those who score between 71 and 80 percent are deemed compliant and may qualify but are subject to re-inspection within six months.
However, those scoring below 71 percent are ineligible and must address the identified gaps before reapplying.
If approved, the upgrade is formalized through gazettement and updated in the national health facility register, making the new status official for the hospital.
