The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) acted swiftly after media reports exposed serious issues at an unregistered dental clinic in Nairobi’s Kawangware area.

On January 9, 2026, the council confirmed it had closed several illegal facilities following a botched dental procedure that left a patient in critical condition.

The case came to light after a man visited a clinic for what should have been a routine tooth extraction. Instead, he developed severe complications. He experienced intense pain, struggled to breathe, and could no longer eat or speak properly. The patient required urgent transfer to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

KMPDC responded immediately. Working alongside police and security agencies, officials visited the clinic.

“In response to the reports, the Council, in collaboration with security agencies, conducted inspection and enforcement activities at the facility referenced. However, at the time of the visit, the proprietor was not present at the premises,” the statement reads.

The team sealed the facility and issued a notice stating it was closed for operating illegally and employing unlicensed practitioners.

Further investigations revealed that the individual linked to the clinic also ran other unregistered facilities. During the same operation, officers raided another medical centre. Inside, they found a 22-year-old patient receiving unauthorised inpatient care. The team evacuated him immediately and transferred him to KNH for proper treatment.

Wider clinic closures enforced

The crackdown continued on January 9, with KMPDC also shutting down others. Separate inspections had found these facilities operated below standard and lacked qualified staff. The council clarified that these closures were part of wider compliance checks.

As of January 9, the first patient remained under treatment at KNH. Doctors performed corrective procedures, and reports indicated signs of recovery. He continued to receive close medical supervision.

KMPDC handed over all evidence gathered during the raids to security agencies. Police have launched a manhunt for the proprietor of the first clinic and any unlicensed practitioners involved. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities aim to hold the responsible individuals accountable.

KMPDC has been on the frontline in tackling unlicensed medical facilities. In August 2025, the council shut down over 150 facilities in Nairobi after inspecting 288 premises.

Investigators found widespread problems: many clinics operated without valid licenses, employed unqualified staff, lacked basic infrastructure such as proper pharmacies or laboratories, and had poor sanitation and waste management practices that put patients at risk.