CS Duale Warns Regulators Against Compromise, Urges Strict Adherence to Health Training Standard

𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 - 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has called on health regulatory bodies to remain uncompromised and uphold their mandate of safeguarding patient safety, stressing that strict compliance with training standards is non-negotiable.

“Do not be compromised by the people you regulate — your work is patient safety,” said Duale, reiterating that all health training institutions must align with the curriculum and standards set by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). “These regulations are not arbitrary; they are designed to protect patients and safeguard professional credibility,” he added.

The CS made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from Mount Kenya University (MKU) led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi. The discussions focused on the credibility of Kenya’s health training systems and the global reputation of its health workforce — a key pillar of the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

Duale emphasized that the Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring that every health worker — from community oral health officers to specialist surgeons — is trained to the highest standards.

The flagged broader sector challenges, including commercialization of medical training, introduction of courses without Ministry consultation, and substandard curricula in some institutions.

“These are gaps we are addressing decisively to ensure training programmes meet regulatory requirements and uphold patient safety,” Duale stated.

The CS assured the Ministry’s continued collaboration with health training institutions — particularly MKU — in areas such as curriculum review, faculty development, and joint quality assurance exercises, anchored on quality, compliance, and public interest.

The meeting was attended by Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Ms. Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, KMPDC CEO Dr. David Kariuki, and Acting CEO of the Kenya Nursing Council Anne Mukuna.