Doctors and dentists wishing to practice in Kenya must comply with the statutory requirements for registration or licensing. Failure to obtain the necessary documentation is an offence under section 22 of the Act. Detailed information on documentation is available from the Executive Officer, Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board.
The following is a guide:
I REGISTRATION
(A) Who is eligible?
1. Doctors or Dentists who have qualified in Kenya and have successfully completed training for practice in Kenya.
The following documents should accompany all applications:
i) A certified copy of original basic degrees, attested by any one of the following persons: the Board’s Executive Officer, a registered medical practitioner, an advocate, a senior administrative officer or a senior in an approved religious organizations;
ii) Relevant testimonials;
iii) Completed prescribed form;
iv) Prescribed fee.
2. Doctors or dentists who have qualified from medical schools outside Kenya and have passed the Board’s Assessment procedures as provided for in the Registration, Licencing, Assessment and Internship training Rules (1979), (5).
The following documents should accompany all applications.
i) A certified copy of a valid registration certificate issued in the country of qualification;
ii) A certified copy of a certificate of good standing or a similar document issued during the preceding three months by the registering authority in the country where a person was working.
iii) A certified copy of original basic degrees;
iv) Certified true copies of English translations of all documents presented, if indicated;
v) Relevant testimonials together with relevant English translations; completed prescribed form;
vi) The prescribed fee.
(B) Employment Covered
1. Authorized to practice in any part of the Republic in accordance with section 14 of the Act.
(C) Evidence of registration
Appearance of one’s name in the official gazette, according to section 10 of the Act.
II LICENCE TO RENDER MEDICAL OR DENTAL SERVICES
(A) Who is eligible?
Registered medical or dental practitioner who: -
i) Are required to have rendered a prescribed period of service in Kenya
ii) Are required to pay a prescribed fee for specialist or general practice
iii) May be directed where to set up a private practice if the Board considers that is in the public interest to do so
(B) Location and premises of private practice
Subject to approval by the Board.
(C) Evidence of licence to engage in private practice
i) Appearance of one’s name in the official gazette
ii) Licence issued annually, according to section 15 of the Act;
iii) Licence prominently displayed in the practitioner’s private clinic
(D) Licences are issued in accordance with provisions of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists (Private Practice) Rules 1979 (6).
Any persons who knowingly obtains or attempts to obtain registration or licence by false pretences false documents, is guilty of a criminal offence by acting contrary to section 19 of the Act. Such a person is liable to have his name removed from the register or his licence cancelled, as the case may be, in addition to other penalties which may be imposed by court of law.