800 Clinics in Nairobi Operating without Licenses

The Nairobi County government says at least 800 private clinics are operating illegally in the city.

A report compiled by the County Public Health Department shows that there is a total of 2,315 privately-owned health centres in Nairobi, 1,500 of which are licensed to offer medical services.

Nairobi County Clinical Inspection Coordinator Jesca Omai says 34 percent (800) of the clinics in the capital are offering medical services to residents without permits.

“After a mapping programme carried out in August last year, the department found out that Nairobi has a total of 2,315 private clinics out of which only 1,500 have received inspection certificates over time and have been cleared with the department as having the necessary permits,” says Omai.

She blames the sprouting of illegal clinics in Nairobi to lack of cooperation between the county health department and regulatory bodies such as the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board, the Nursing Council of Kenya and the Clinical Officers Council.

“The department normally receives applications from people who want to start clinics in the capital city but it is not the only body that can license them," she says.

"We have regulatory bodies which are different. The overall one is the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board. Nursing councils can also license their own people."Ms Omai says, adding that the illegal clinics will all be shutdown.

Among the unlicensed health centres is Milan Health International, a clinic in Kayole allegedly owned by quack doctor James Mugo Ndichu alias Mugo Wa Wairimu.

“No licence was given to Milan International and we have never met Mr Mugo in the clinic. The applicant for the permits for the clinic was Elijah Mathiai and the documents presented were for a nurse who was allowed to practice," Ms Omai says.