The Ministry of Health, through the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, has ordered the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to immediately shut down aesthetics clinics operating illegally across the country.
This follows the conclusion of a MoH-led thorough assessment into aesthetic clinics and beauty spas offering plastic surgery and invasive cosmetic procedures in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Eldoret.
The investigation was aimed at evaluating the clinics’ adherence to licensing regulations and ensuring the safety of the procedures being offered.
In a statement on Thursday, Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni Muriuki noted that a total of 26 clinics were reviewed, with 20 (77%) found to be fully compliant with licensing and operational standards.
Three clinics had applied for registration and were awaiting approval, while another three were found to be operating illegally without proper registration.
“102 beauty spas were inspected, with 7 found to be offering invasive procedures such as micro-blading and micro-needling without proper registration or qualified personnel,” the statement reads.
“40% of assessed facilities lacked essential emergency medical supplies, while 25% exhibited inadequate infection prevention and control measures. Omnicare Medical Limited was not assessed as it remains closed pending legal proceedings.”
The PS subsequently urged KMPDC to shut down non-compliant facilities, adding that 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 centers/clinics without Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must develop and implement them within 60 days to ensure safe and standardized practices,” the PS said.
“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.”
While adding that 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 PS urges members of the public to only seek cosmetic and plastic surgery services only from licensed and qualified practitioners.
