The Ministry of Health has issued a stern directive to aesthetic clinics and beauty spas in Kenya following a comprehensive assessment of facilities in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
This comes in the wake of the tragic death of a patient at Omnicare Medical Limited, which prompted a nationwide review of compliance with licensing and safety standards.
How many aesthetic clinics did the Ministry of Health assess?
According to the Ministry’s findings, 26 aesthetic clinics were assessed, of which 20 (77%) were found compliant with operational and licensing standards.
However, three facilities were discovered to be operating illegally without registration, while another three were awaiting approval.
Furthermore, inspections of 102 beauty spas revealed that seven were offering invasive procedures, such as micro-blading and micro-needling, without proper registration or qualified personnel.
The report raised serious concerns about the lack of safety protocols across these facilities.
“40% of assessed facilities lacked essential emergency medical supplies, while 25% exhibited inadequate infection prevention and control measures,” the report highlighted.
In response, the Ministry of Health has directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to enforce the immediate closure of unregistered clinics operating illegally.
Facilities failing to meet Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures have been given 30 days to comply, while those without emergency medical provisions must establish and equip emergency trays within 60 days.
The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni Muriuki, emphasized the government’s commitment to public safety.
“Aesthetic centres/clinics without Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must develop and implement them within 60 days to ensure safe and standardized practices,” she stated.
The Ministry is also developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for invasive cosmetic procedures to enhance compliance and protect the public.
Beauty and medical spas banned from advertising invasive medical procedures
In addition, beauty and medical spas are now prohibited from offering or advertising invasive medical procedures unless properly registered and licensed.
Urging Kenyans to exercise caution, PS Muthoni stated, “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 government’s crackdown seeks to ensure all health-related services in Kenya adhere to the highest standards of care, signalling a firm stance on patient safety and regulatory compliance.
