NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 8 – The Ministry of Health has clarified that Kenya will prioritise the licensing and deployment of qualified local health practitioners before considering the routine licensing of foreign doctors and other health professionals.
In a statement, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the government has invested significant public resources in training doctors, nurses, clinical officers and specialists at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, making it necessary to give Kenyans first priority in employment within the health sector.
The ministry noted that the policy aligns with international best practice, citing guidance from global bodies such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which encourage countries to prioritise their domestic health workforce to ensure sustainability and resilience of health systems.
However, the ministry clarified that the policy does not apply to countries within the East African Community (EAC), reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to regional integration and reciprocal recognition agreements that allow regulated professional mobility among partner states.
The statement added that applications by foreign health practitioners will continue to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, guided strictly by national interest. Such consideration will be limited to areas with clear skills gaps, particularly in highly specialised or emerging fields where local capacity is unavailable or insufficient, and where the engagement supports knowledge transfer and health system strengthening.
The ministry also raised regulatory concerns, citing cases where individuals seek to practise in Kenya despite lacking recognition, licensure or good standing in their countries of origin. It said international norms require host countries to protect patient safety and prevent professional misconduct.
Mr Duale said the government will continue working through statutory regulatory bodies to ensure licensing decisions uphold patient safety, professional integrity and long-term sustainability of Kenya’s health workforce, while remaining compliant with local laws and international obligations.
“Kenya’s position is clear: qualified Kenyans must come first, regional commitments will be respected, and foreign engagement will only be allowed where it adds clear value and meets the highest ethical and professional standards,” the statement said.
