The union made this call during public hearings on the proposed bill, which were organized by the relevant committee of the National Assembly on healthcare in Kiambu County.
The initiator of the bill, dated March 3, 2026, was Duncan Maina Mathenge, a deputy from the city of Nyeri. The document aims to amend the Law «On Medical Workers and Dentists» (Chapter 253). It provides for the introduction of new regulatory provisions, strengthened oversight of medical professionals, and measures to prevent fraudulent acquisition of practice licenses, as well as the withholding of patients or deceased bodies due to unpaid medical bills. KMPDU questions the need to adopt a new law.
The trade union stated that it supports effective regulation of healthcare workers’ activities, but insists that the new standards must be based on an evidence base, be legally consistent, and be practically feasible. «In this regard, KMPDU called for the withdrawal of the bill, noting that the existing laws and regulatory mechanisms are sufficient to combat unscrupulous practices and maintain standards in the healthcare sector», the trade union said in a statement.
The organization emphasized that the current legislation already grants the regulatory council the authority to register practicing professionals, ensure compliance with professional standards, investigate violations, and apply disciplinary measures. Representatives of the KMPDU also expressed concern about the expansion of the regulatory framework and the introduction of additional criminal sanctions without convincing evidence of the necessity of the proposed changes.
The draft law provides for broader regulation. The proposed amendments are aimed at including oral health specialists, dental technicians, and optometrists within the legal framework. Furthermore, the initiative involves renaming the Kenya Medical and Dental Council to the Kenya Medical and Dental Council, as well as introducing new registration mechanisms, including preliminary exams for additional categories of specialists.
The document establishes the requirements for registration for professionals falling under the expanded system and allows for the submission of registration applications for certain foreign professionals residing in Kenya. In addition, it proposes standards for mandatory professional liability insurance and adjustments to licensing and disciplinary procedures. One of the provisions classifies as an offence the withholding of a patient or the body of a deceased person due to unpaid treatment bills. This is punishable by a fine of up to 5 million KSh, or imprisonment for up to five years, or both penalties simultaneously. The bill also establishes penalties in the form of a fine of up to 300,000 KSh or imprisonment for up to 12 months for fraudulent acquisition of a registration or license, as well as for assisting others in obtaining them illegally.
The parliament will consider the positions of the interested parties. The proposed amendments are being discussed at a time when the parliament is examining the possibilities of strengthening control and accountability in the healthcare sector. The bill is also intended to establish clearer registration and licensing procedures for additional categories of medical professionals, as well as to define offenses and sanctions related to professional registration.
The KMPDU emphasized that its position is based on the belief that laws in the healthcare sector should protect patients while maintaining effective mechanisms for medical professionals. As the parliament considers the proposals put forward by interested parties, the union intends to continue advocating for policies and legislation that strengthen patient protection, support professional standards, and ensure the sustainable operation of the healthcare system.
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