This assessment was initiated following a directive by the Ministry to investigate compliance with licensing and safety standards
The Ministry of Health has instructed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to shut down all unregistered aesthetic clinics and beauty spas operating without authorization.
This directive was announced on Friday, February 7 after the Ministry, through the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, in collaboration with various health regulatory agencies, concluded a comprehensive assessment of aesthetic clinics and beauty spas offering plastic surgery and invasive cosmetic procedures in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
This assessment was initiated following a directive by the Ministry to investigate compliance with licensing and safety standards after the tragic death of a patient, Lucy Wambui during a cosmetic surgery procedure.
From the assessment, the Ministry found out that out of a total of 26 aesthetic clinics were assessed, 20 (77%) were found to be compliant with licensing and operational standards. Three (3) facilities had applied for registration and were awaiting approval, while another three (3) were operating illegally without registration.
Health Cabinet Secretary deborah Barasa addressing the press at Afya House, Wednesday, February 5, 2025. /MINISTRY OF HEALTH
102 beauty spas were inspected, with seven found to be offering invasive procedures such as micro-blading and micro-needling without proper registration or qualified personnel.
Furthermore, 40 percent of assessed facilities lacked essential emergency medical supplies, while 25 percent exhibited inadequate infection prevention and control measures. The centre linked to the death of the patient was not assessed as it remains closed pending legal proceedings.
Consequently, the Ministry has issued the following 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.
- All facilities with inadequate Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures must comply with recommended standards within 30 days.
- Facilities lacking emergency medical provisions must establish and equip emergency trays within 60 days.
- Aesthetic centres/clinics without Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must develop and implement them within 60 days to ensure safe and standardized practices.
- All beauty and medical spas are prohibited from offering or advertising invasive medical procedures unless properly inspected, registered and licensed as per the norms and standards.
“The government is developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for invasive cosmetic procedures in beauty and medical spas to enhance public protection, safety and compliance,” the statement read in part.
The Ministry of Health 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 have been prohibited from offering or advertising invasive medical procedures unless properly registered and licensed.
“The Ministry remains committed to enhancing patient safety, strengthening regulations, and ensuring that all health-related services in Kenya adhere to the highest standards of care,” added the statement.
The late Lucy Wambui. /PHOTO