By Dorothy Musyoka
The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding the quality, integrity, and sustainability of its healthcare system through strengthened regulation of foreign health practitioners.
In a statement issued on 7 January 2026, the Cabinet Secretary for Health emphasized that while Kenya values international cooperation and expertise in the health sector, all foreign health professionals must fully comply with national laws, policies, and regulatory frameworks before engaging in practice.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to clarify that Kenya will prioritise the licensing and deployment of qualified Kenyan health practioners before considering the routine of foreign doctors and other health proffessionals,” read the statement.
The Cabinet Secretary for health Aden Duale, noted that Kenya remains guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel, which prioritizes ethical recruitment and the protection of health systems.
Foreign practitioners seeking to work in Kenya are required to obtain requisite registration and licensing from the relevant professional regulatory councils. These licenses are issued on a case-by-case basis, following rigorous assessment of qualifications, skills, and the specific needs of the country.
The Ministry further clarified that foreign health practitioners are engaged only where there is a demonstrable skills gap that cannot be adequately filled by local professionals.
Where such engagement occurs, it must contribute to knowledge transfer, capacity building, and system strengthening for Kenyan health workers.
To enhance transparency and consistency, the Ministry is also developing clear regulatory guidelines that will govern international recruitment and deployment, in collaboration with professional councils and other stakeholders.
The Cabinet Secretary underscored that Kenya will continue to prioritize training, employment, and retention of Kenyan health workers, while remaining open to international partnerships that add clear and measurable value to the health sector.