All Health Workers Affected as Oversight Authority Issues New Orders

The Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA) has directed all health professionals to comply with licensing rules. The Authority has said that the move aims to strengthen accountability and protect patients from unqualified service providers.

According to the notice issued on April 30, 2026, it reminded practitioners that legal and ethical standards must guide all healthcare services.

“The Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA) is established under Section 45(1) of the Health Act, 2017, as a body corporate,” the authority said.

“The functions of the Authority are fundamentally oversight and regulatory in nature, and seek to protect the public from harm and promote the provision of quality, and patient/client-centered healthcare,” the authority added, explaining its mandate clearly.

Also Read: Govt Moves to End Health Scheme Chaos for Civil Servants

Warning Issued over Unlicensed Practice

In addition, KHPOA warned health workers against offering services without valid authorization. It said such actions violate professional standards and endanger public safety.

“This notice serves as an official reminder and caution to all health professionals providing healthcare or offering health-related services without the requisite authorization and/or a valid practicing license issued by respective regulatory bodies violates professional regulatory standards,” the notice stated.

Mandatory Registration and Valid Licences

Furthermore, the Authority directed all qualified practitioners to maintain valid practising licences. It also required them to register with the relevant professional boards and councils.

KHPOA emphasized that compliance must remain continuous. It added that proper registration helps improve trust in the health sector.

Also Read: Court Rejects Bid to Drop Kenya–US Health Data Sharing Petition

Call for Ethical Practice and Accountability

Finally, KHPOA urged all health professionals to follow strict ethical standards. It said accountability remains key in delivering quality healthcare services.

“In this regard, health professionals are therefore required to strictly comply with stated health professional regulatory standards to ensure ethical practices and accountability needed for sustaining public trust and provision of high-quality care,” the authority stated.

The directive is expected to reinforce tighter oversight across the health sector. It also targets improved service delivery and reduced cases of unlicensed medical practice nationwide.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

The Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority released a public notice on April 30, 2026, reinforcing mandatory licensing compliance for all health workers nationwide. PHOTO/ KHPOA X.