The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced plans to establish a specialised anti-fraud police unit in response to the growing number of unlicensed individuals offering illegal and dangerous health services across the country. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the unit will spearhead a nationwide crackdown on fake clinics and unqualified practitioners, working closely with officials from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to enforce compliance with health regulations.
Government Warns Quack Practitioners
Speaking on Sunday, CS Duale issued a stern warning to individuals operating outside the law, stating that the government will take decisive action against all forms of fraud within the health sector, including under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
We are cracking down on fraud. We are in the process of forming an anti-fraud police unit to deal with malpractice within SHA. Anyone masquerading as a doctor or healthcare provider without a valid licence should immediately stop. There will be no room for quack business in Kenya.”
Aden Duale Health System to Be Digitised
As part of the reforms, the Ministry will roll out a central digital health dashboard that will list all licensed doctors, dentists, pharmacies and healthcare facilities nationwide. The system will also help authorities identify and track illegal operators.
Tragedy Sparks Renewed Enforcement
The announcement follows the recent death of a patient, Amos Isoka, who developed serious complications after undergoing a tooth extraction at an illegal dental clinic in Kawangware. Isoka died on Wednesday evening at Kenyatta National Hospital, where he had been admitted with severe swelling affecting his neck, tongue and chest. In response, CS Duale directed Kenyatta National Hospital to waive all medical bills incurred by the late Isoka’s family.
I have instructed KNH to clear all the hospital bills for our brother who lost his life due to negligence by a quack doctor
Aden DualeNew “Scope of Practice” Rules Coming
The Ministry also plans to introduce a new regulatory framework known as the “Scope of Practice,” which will strictly define the medical procedures that healthcare workers are authorised to perform based on their training.
Investigations Ongoing
Meanwhile, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) revisited the illegal clinic in Kawangware as investigations continue. Police seized several items, including laboratory equipment, assorted drugs, and an identification card bearing the name Lowrence King’atua Kamau. Authorities have launched a manhunt for suspects believed to be behind the illegal operation, who remain at large.
