Legal row over board leadership delays registration of labs, experts

By ALLY JAMAH

Kenya: The nationwide registration of medical laboratories and professionals by a Government agency has been paralysed for the last few months after the President’s attempt to replace its chairperson ran into a legal tussle.

Kenya Medical Laboratories, Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) is unable to process crucial documents such as applications and renewal of licences for laboratories or issue registration certificates for professionals or educational institutions that offer training on laboratory technology. The Standard has learnt that these documents cannot be released without the signature of a substantive chairperson of the board, who has been absent for the past four months.

Yesterday, KMLTTB acting Chairperson Patrick Kisabei said even though final documents are not being issued, the board is giving out interim licences and certificates pending the resolution of the court case.

President misled

Laboratory technicians and technologists, who have completed their training and are seeking registration are being issued with official letters of the board signed by Registrar Abdulatif Ali.

In January this year, President Uhuru Kenyatta sought to replace Prof Abel Onyango with Moi University lecturer Prof Alex Chemtai as the board’s chairperson, but Prof Onyango went to court challenging his replacement.

He argued that the President was misled into replacing him without following due process. High Court judge Mumbi Ngugi restrained the new appointee from taking the chairmanship until the court case is determined.

“We are hoping that the High Court will resolve this matter as quickly as possible so that the board can resume normal operations,” said Kisabei yesterday.

Initially, a ruling on the matter had been expected on 11th of this month, but it was not delivered since judges were on holiday. A new date to deliver the ruling is yet to be fixed.

The Association of Kenya Medical Laboratory Scientists Organisation Chairperson Moses Lore said the smooth operation of KMLTTB is a matter of concern since the agency is supposed to weed out unlicensed laboratories operated by quacks.