Mutetei Mutisya
Principal Marketing Communication Officer
Kenya Accreditation Service

In a groundbreaking milestone for Kenya’s healthcare sector and the African continent at large, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) became the first healthcare regulatory body in Africa to achieve accreditation under ISO/IEC 17024:2012 on 20 June 2024. This internationally recognized standard sets the benchmark for the certification of persons, solidifying KMPDC’s reputation as a leader in healthcare regulation.

The accreditation covers the Council’s registration and licensing scheme for Medical Practitioners, Dental Practitioners, and Community Oral Health Officers, guaranteeing that these critical processes meet global standards of competence and reliability. This monumental achievement was celebrated at a ceremonial event at the KMPDC complex, attended by key healthcare stakeholders, including KMPDC Chairperson Professor Stanley Khainga, KMPDC CEO Dr. David Kariuki, Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) CEO Dr. Walter Ongeti, and a host of representatives from professional associations, regulatory bodies, and the healthcare industry.

Professor Khainga emphasized the significance of this achievement: “This is not just a one-time milestone but a continuous journey of excellence. As we implement ISO/IEC 17024:2012, we remain committed to upholding its principles in all certification activities while pursuing innovation and continuous improvement.”

This accreditation is a testament to KMPDC’s dedication to strengthening the integrity of its processes. By aligning with the stringent requirements of ISO/IEC 17024:2012, KMPDC is ensuring that its certification and licensing systems are transparent, predictable, and internationally recognized. This achievement has far-reaching implications for Kenya’s healthcare sector, aligning seamlessly with the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda under the Big Four Agenda framework.

KMPDC CEO Dr. David Kariuki highlighted how this accreditation elevates the Council’s stature: “ISO/IEC 17024:2012 enhances the credibility of our registration and licensing processes by providing a robust framework. This increases the value and recognition of our certifications both locally and internationally, ensuring that healthcare professionals registered by the Council can now offer services across borders without additional competence reviews.”

This accomplishment is not only a win for KMPDC but a significant step forward for Kenya’s healthcare ecosystem. Accreditation assures patients, institutions, and international bodies that healthcare professionals meet the highest standards of competence, ultimately improving the quality of care provided.

KENAS CEO Dr. Walter Ongeti expressed pride in the Council’s achievement, noting that it sets a benchmark for other regulatory bodies across Africa: “This accreditation represents a monumental step forward in ensuring the quality and reliability of healthcare services in Kenya. It exemplifies how accreditation can bridge local and global standards, empowering healthcare professionals to serve with confidence both within and beyond national borders.”

The achievement by KMPDC underscores the critical role accreditation plays in advancing healthcare. It ensures that the processes involved in registering and licensing professionals are credible, reproducible, and trustworthy, providing a solid foundation for Kenya’s UHC goals. Moreover, KENAS, through its work in accrediting medical laboratories and regulatory bodies, continues to support healthcare reforms by creating systems that inspire confidence and promote excellence.

Looking ahead, KMPDC has the potential to extend its scope to additional areas, further cementing its role as a leader in healthcare regulation. As the government strives to close the healthcare worker gap, KMPDC’s focus on quality assurance ensures that Kenya’s healthcare professionals are equipped to meet the needs of a growing and diverse population.

This milestone demonstrates how strategic alignment with global standards can transform healthcare, build trust, and position Kenya as a leader in the international healthcare landscape. It is a victory not just for KMPDC, but for every stakeholder in Kenya’s healthcare journey, affirming the country’s commitment to excellence and innovation.