A quarter of medical training institutions in the country have failed to meet professional training standards and regulations, according to the Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA).

Chief Executive Officer Dr Jackson Kioko revealed that inspections of 350 centres found 87 non-compliant.

Speaking at the Kenya Society of Orthotrauma Technologists (KESOTT) scientific conference in Kilifi, he warned that non-compliance poses a risk of unqualified graduates treating patients, potentially undermining the health sector. The issues cited include inadequate infrastructure, insufficient faculty, and overcrowded, poorly maintained classrooms. 

“We have inspected about 350 training facilities and 25 per cent were found non-compliant with the required norms and standards,” he said.

“We will collaborate with other agencies to ensure that institutions not meeting these standards remain closed until they comply. Many of them lack essential infrastructure, have too few teachers for the number of students, and operate in overcrowded, dilapidated classrooms.” 

Trauma technologists

Established under the 2017 Health Act, KHPOA’s mandate includes oversight of training, registration, and licensing of health professionals, alongside joint inspections. Dr Kioko highlighted the need to standardize medical training to address the rise in institutions producing professionals who may not meet the country’s needs.

 KESOTT President Dr Stephen Fondo urged county governments to employ more orthopaedic trauma technologists, noting that only 300 are currently employed across the 47 counties.

The association’s incoming president, Dr Henry Ondanje, emphasized regional collaboration to enhance professional standards. “We are positioning ourselves to elevate this profession, which is why we invited our counterparts from the Uganda Orthopaedic Officers’ Association to join us at the scientific conference,” he said.