The government has ordered the immediate re-inspection of all licensed health facilities under the supervision of the Clinical Officers Council (COC) to reinforce accountability in healthcare delivery and submit detailed reports.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Clinical Officers Council (COC), the Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale further directed the COC to ensure that only facilities meeting the required standards are issued with operating licences.
In a firm directive, Duale stated: “Do not license any clinical officer trained in an institution that has not been duly merited, inspected, and audited by the Council.”
He reiterated that safeguarding the standards of training and professional practice is paramount to ensuring the health and safety of the public.
The CS met the Clinical Officers Council led by Chairperson Prof. Samuel Kang’ethe, to discuss key regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare quality and safety under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework.
Citing Section 33(2) of the 2023 Social Health Insurance Act, the CS emphasized the Council’s obligation to uphold integrity, evidence-based regulation, and transparency in the licensing and oversight of clinical officers and facilities.
He also called for the full digitization of COC systems in alignment with the Ministry’s Digital Health Strategy and the Digital Health Agency, to facilitate real-time oversight and eliminate malpractice.
The CS further assured the Council of the Ministry’s support in enhancing coordination, driving policy reforms, and ensuring the successful rollout of the Taifa Care Model a flagship component of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Present during the meeting were Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and Acting CEO of the Digital Health Agency Anthony Lenaiyara.