KMPDC closes unregistered dental facility after adverse patient outcomes

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has shut down an unregistered dental facility in Nairobi following media reports linking it to adverse patient outcomes, as investigations into illegal medical practice continue.

In a statement, the Council said its attention had been drawn to reports of a dental procedure that resulted in harm to a patient at Life Clinic, an unregistered facility operating in the Kawangware area of Nairobi.

The regulator moved swiftly, working jointly with security agencies to inspect and enforce compliance at the facility.

“The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council informs the public that its attention was drawn to media reports concerning a dental procedure that resulted in adverse patient outcomes at an unregistered facility,” KMPDC Chief Executive Dr David Kariuki said.

According to KMPDC, inspectors visited the premises but did not find the proprietor present at the time of inspection.

The affected patient was subsequently traced, evacuated and referred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for specialised care.

“The patient in question was traced, evacuated and referred for further management at Kenyatta National Hospital,” the Council said, adding that as of January 9, 2026, the patient was receiving treatment and undergoing corrective procedures.

Further investigations revealed that the individual associated with the clinic was also operating additional illegal establishments.

These facilities were identified and subjected to enforcement action by the authorities.

During the operation, Council officers discovered another patient, a 22-year-old man, admitted in an unauthorised inpatient area at another clinic which was also found to be illegal and unregistered.

“During the enforcement activities, Council officers identified another patient, a 22-year-old male, within an unauthorised inpatient area at the Medical Centre, an illegal and unregistered facility, where he was not receiving appropriate medical care,” the statement noted.

The patient was evacuated and referred to KNH for proper medical management.

Following the inspections, the affected facilities were closed, and relevant information handed over to security agencies.

KMPDC said investigations are ongoing and that individuals linked to the illegal operations are being pursued by law enforcement.

“Investigations are ongoing and the individual(s) concerned are being sought by law enforcement authorities,” the Council said.

In the same operation, KMPDC also closed two clinics, citing substandard operations.

The Council clarified that these closures arose from broader compliance inspections and were unrelated to the ownership of the previously cited illegal facilities.

The regulator urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected unlicensed practitioners and illegal health facilities.

“The Council encourages members of the public to report suspected unlicensed practitioners, illegal facilities or repeated adverse patient outcomes,” the statement said.