The Ministry of Health has issued new directives after an assessment of aesthetic clinics and beauty spas across Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
In a statement on Friday, February 7, Public Health PS Mary Muthoni said the ministry collaborated with health regulatory agencies to conduct the review.
She noted that the assessment uncovered alarming gaps in regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness and infection control measures.
"This assessment was initiated following a directive by the Ministry to investigate compliance with licensing and safety standards after the tragic death of a patient at Omnicare Medical Limited," the statement read.
According to the report, a total of 26 aesthetic clinics were assessed and out of these, only 20 were found to be compliant with licensing and operational standards.
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On the other hand, three clinics had applied for registration and were awaiting approval, while another three were found to be operating illegally without any form of registration.
The report further revealed that a total of 102 beauty spas were inspected, with seven identified as offering invasive procedures such as micro-blading and micro-needling without proper registration or qualified personnel.
The findings also indicated that 40% of the assessed facilities lacked essential emergency medical supplies, while 25% exhibited inadequate infection prevention and control measures.
In response to these findings, Muthoni has issued several directives aimed at tightening regulations and ensuring public safety.
She directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to enforce the immediate closure of all unregistered aesthetic clinics operating illegally.
Facilities found to have inadequate infection prevention must comply with recommended standards within 30 days, while those lacking emergency medical supplies must establish and equip emergency trays within 60 days.
"All facilities with inadequate Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures must comply with recommended standards within 30 days. Facilities lacking emergency medical provisions must establish and equip emergency trays within 60 days," the statement added.
Additionally, aesthetic centers and clinics that do not have Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must develop and implement them within 60 days to ensure safe and standardized practices.
Muthoni also prohibited beauty and medical spas from offering or advertising invasive medical procedures unless they have been registered and licensed.
"All beauty and medical spas are prohibited from offering or advertising invasive medical procedures unless properly inspected, registered, and licensed as per the norms and standards," the statement read.
Muthoni added that the government is developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for invasive cosmetic procedures.
She further urged members of the public to seek cosmetic and plastic surgery services only from licensed and qualified practitioners to safeguard their health and well-being.
"The government is developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for invasive cosmetic procedures in beauty and medical spas to enhance public protection, safety, and compliance.
"The Ministry of Health urges members of the public to seek cosmetic and plastic surgery services only from licensed and qualified practitioners to safeguard their health and well-being. Additionally, beauty and medical spas are prohibited from offering or advertising invasive medical procedures unless properly registered and licensed," the statement further read.
The assessments were prompted by the tragic death of Lucy Wambui, a patient at Omnicare Medical Limited, which remains closed pending legal proceedings.
