Kenyan Government Cracks Down on Illegal Aesthetic Clinics and Spas
The Kenyan government has launched a crackdown on illegal aesthetic clinics and beauty spas, ordering the closure of unregistered facilities offering plastic surgery and invasive cosmetic procedures. A nationwide inspection revealed compliance failures, with 40% of clinics lacking emergency medical supplies and 25% failing infection control standards. The Ministry of Health has set strict deadlines for compliance and is developing a regulatory framework to enhance public safety and patient protection.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has ordered the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to shut down illegally operating aesthetic clinics and beauty spas, following a nationwide assessment of compliance with medical regulations.
Inspection Reveals Widespread Violations
According to Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni, the assessment targeted aesthetic clinics and spas offering plastic surgery and invasive cosmetic procedures in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
The crackdown follows a directive by the Ministry after the tragic death of a patient at Omnicare Medical Limited, raising concerns about safety and compliance in the sector.
Key Findings:
- 26 aesthetic clinics assessed:
- 20 (77%) met licensing and operational standards.
- 3 facilities were awaiting approval.
- 3 clinics were found operating illegally without registration.
- 102 beauty spas inspected:
- 7 facilities were offering invasive procedures such as microblading and microneedling without proper registration or qualified personnel.
- 40% of facilities lacked emergency medical supplies, while 25% had inadequate infection control measures.
Government Directives for Compliance
PS Muthoni issued strict directives to curb illegal operations:
- Facilities with poor infection control must comply within 30 days.
- Clinics lacking emergency medical supplies must equip emergency trays within 60 days.
- Aesthetic centers without Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must implement them within 60 days.
- Unregistered beauty and medical spas are prohibited from offering or advertising invasive cosmetic procedures.
“The government is developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for invasive cosmetic procedures to enhance public safety and compliance,” Muthoni stated.
She urged the public to seek plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures only from licensed professionals to safeguard their health and well-being.
Ensuring Public Safety
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening health regulations and enhancing patient safety, ensuring that all medical and beauty procedures in Kenya adhere to the highest standards.
The Ministry of Health has directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Council to immediately close all unregistered aesthetic clinics operating illegally in the country. pic.twitter.com/eer4745CY8
— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) February 7, 2025
You Might Also Like
-
ODM leader Raila Odinga has defended Secretary General Edwin Sifuna’s right to free expression after his criticism of the party’s deal with UDA. Raila emphasized that internal debate is part of democracy. Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala also urged the party to protect Sifuna from tribal-based at
-
Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku has assured Kenyans that no one will die of hunger, as the government intensifies food relief in drought-hit counties. Speaking in Moyale, he said 23 ASAL counties have been mapped for targeted support. The initiative is part of a wider effort to decentralize services
-
Boniface Kariuki burial took place on July 11 in Kangema, Murang’a County. Amid tight security—deployed in the wake of violence at previous funerals—mourners carried his flag‑draped white coffin, surrounded by chanting youth
-
Senator Karen Nyamu has slammed Isiolo MCAs for pushing an impeachment motion against Governor Abdi Guyo without following legal procedures. She called the move a "dangerous joke" lacking evidence and due process. The Senate was forced to suspend proceedings amid a growing standoff.
-
In response to allegations that he hired goons to disrupt the Gen Z-led protests in Nairobi on June 17, 2025, Governor Johnson Sakaja firmly denied any involvement, calling the accusations false and politically motivated. In a video statement, he claimed the violence was orchestrated by his politi
-
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen questioned Cleophas Malala’s involvement in the National Drama Festivals. He criticized the use of student plays for political messaging, urging that scripts be left to teachers. This followed Butere Girls’ walkout over alleged mistreatment during the event.
