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Kenya will prioritize the licensing and deployment of qualified Kenyan health practitioners before considering the routine licensing of foreign doctors and health professionals, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health.

In a statement dated 7 January 2026, the Cabinet Secretary for Health said the policy reflects Kenya’s significant public investment in training doctors, nurses, clinical officers, and specialists at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Ministry noted that it is “both prudent and just” that health professionals trained using public resources are given first priority to serve the country.

The Ministry emphasised that the approach aligns with international best practice. Global bodies such as the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization consistently affirm that countries should prioritise employment opportunities for their own qualified health workforce as part of national workforce planning, health system sustainability, and resilience.

Regional exemptions under EAC framework

The Ministry clarified that the policy does not apply to countries within the East African Community (EAC). Kenya remains committed to regional integration and will continue to honor reciprocal recognition agreements within the EAC framework, which allow for mutual recognition of qualifications and regulated professional mobility among Partner States.

Case-by-case consideration for specialized skills

At the same time, the Ministry stated that it will continue to exercise discretion by reviewing applications for foreign practitioners on a case-by-case basis, guided strictly by national interest. Priority will be given only where there is a demonstrable skills gap, particularly in highly specialised or emerging fields where local capacity is not yet available or remains limited.

Such engagements, the Ministry noted, must support local knowledge transfer and contribute to long-term health system strengthening.

Addressing regulatory and patient safety concerns

The policy also responds to growing regulatory concerns, including cases where individuals have sought registration to practise in Kenya despite lacking recognition, licensure, or good standing in their countries of origin. The Ministry cited international regulatory norms, including WHO guidance, which require host countries to safeguard patient safety and curb professional misconduct.

Not isolationist, Ministry says

The Ministry underscored that the policy is neither isolationist nor unique to Kenya. Many countries, including high-income nations, apply similar approaches that prioritise local professionals while allowing carefully regulated entry of foreign practitioners in exceptional circumstances. Such policies are widely recognised as legitimate sovereign functions of health workforce regulation.

Clear position on workforce sustainability

According to the statement, Kenya’s position is “clear, lawful, and globally aligned”: qualified Kenyans must come first, regional commitments will be respected, and foreign engagement will be permitted only where it adds clear value to the health system and meets the highest ethical and professional standards.

The Ministry said it will continue working through statutory regulatory bodies to ensure that licensing decisions uphold patient safety, professional integrity, and national health workforce sustainability, while remaining compliant with Kenyan law and international obligations.

Source: Statement by the Ministry of Health, 7 January 2026

By Inside Health Desk / 8. January 2026/ Urge- DevWire

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