Govt Begins Mass Closure of Clinics in Estates; Here is Why

The government has announced the closure of clinics and other health facilities located with estates across the country. 

In a statement, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) noted that such facilities posed a risk to patients and individuals living within the area.

Specifically, the council highlighted facilities operating residential buildings. 

At the same time, health facilities located in restricted areas such as petrol stations also face closure.

“Health facilities located in restricted areas, such as petrol stations and residential buildings, are hereby notified that these locations are unsuitable for healthcare operations,” warned KMPDC.

KMPDC is mandated to regulate the training, practice and licensing of medicine and dentistry and healthcare institutions .

These include private and mission hospitals, medical, dental centers and clinics, nursing and maternity homes and standalone funeral homes.

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KMPDC Explains Reason for Closing Clinics

Consequently, the owners of such facilities have been given a six-month notice to relocate or face closure.

KMPDU has raised concerns about safety risks, hygiene issues, and inadequate infrastructure, stating that these locations are unsuitable for healthcare operations.

This restriction aims to reduce the spread of infections and ensure the safety of patients. 

Additionally, the council stated that safety concerns including the risk from flammable materials and disturbances compromise patient care. 

“To provide a safe and conducive environment for both patients and the community, these facilities must relocate within six months. Failure to comply will result in closure.

“This restriction aims to reduce the spread of infections and ensure the safety of patients. Additionally, safety concerns such as risks from flammable materials, inadequate infrastructure, and disturbances that compromise patient care necessitate this directive,’ stated the council.

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Registered Health Facilities in Kenya

According to Africa Health Business, Kenya has a total of 9,696 health facilities. 

About 4,616 of these are owned by the public sector, 3,696, fall under ownership of the commercial private sector.

The remaining1,384 is owned by Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs). 

Furthermore, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) listed 7876 licensed facilities for June 2024. However, the council was disbanded in January 2025. 

The government urged the affected bodies to develop transition plans to ensure uninterrupted service delivery as they adjust to their new status.

“All professional bodies currently categorized as state corporations should be declassified and should not be financed through budgetary allocations,” the dispatch read in part.

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