Govt Orders Closure of Select Beauty Clinics, Issues Ultimatum After Inspection

The Ministry of Health has ordered the closure of unregistered beauty clinics after an assessment targeting facilities in the country.

According to the statement, the assessment was initiated following a directive by the Ministry to investigate compliance with licensing and safety standards after the tragic death of a patient at Omnicare Medical Limited.

Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced that Omnicare Medical Limited will remain closed pending the conclusion of legal proceedings.

“The Ministry of Health urges members of the public to seek cosmetic and plastic surgery services only from licensed and qualified practitioners to safeguard their health and well-being,” the statement read in part.

Government’s Key Directives and Recommendations

“The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) is directed to enforce the immediate closure of unregistered aesthetic clinics operating illegally,” the statement read

According to the statement, all facilities with inadequate infection prevention and control measures must comply with recommended standards within 30 days.

In addition, facilities lacking emergency medical provisions must establish and equip emergency trays within 60 days.

Further, aesthetic clinics without standard operating procedures will be required to develop and implement them within 60 days to ensure safe and standardized practices.

All beauty and medical spas have also been prohibited from offering or advertising invasive medical procedures without properly inspected, registered, and licensed as per standards.

Onn its part, the government will develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for invasive cosmetic procedures in beauty and medical spas to enhance public protection, safety, and compliance.

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Key Findings

According to the Ministry, 20 clinics (77%) were found to be compliant with licensing and operational standards after the assessment. 

However, three (3) facilities were operating illegally without registration while three (3) facilities had applied for registration and were waiting for approval.

Further, 102 beauty spas were inspected, and only 7 were found to be offering invasive procedures such as micro-blading and micro-needling without proper registration or qualified personnel.

Among the assessed facilities, 40% lacked the essential emergency medical supplies while 25% exhibited inadequate infection prevention and control measures.

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Further Directives

The Ministry of Health has since urged members of the public to seek cosmetic and plastic surgery services only from licensed and qualified practitioners to safeguard their health and well-being.

Additionally, beauty and medical spas are prohibited from offering or advertising invasive medical procedures unless properly registered and licensed.

The ministry has assured the public, that it will remain committed to enhancing patient safety, strengthening regulations, and ensuring that all health-related services in Kenya adhere to the highest standards of care.

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