Dr. Tonnie Kituku Mulli is a Kenyan Specialist Periodontist, Senior Lecturer, and dental policy expert with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, academia, research, and professional regulation.

He holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the University of Nairobi, a Master of Clinical Dentistry in Periodontology from Queen Mary University of London, and a PhD in Periodontology from King’s College London.

Dr. Mulli currently serves as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry at the University of Nairobi, where he has taught for over two decades. He is also a Consultant Specialist Periodontist and Implant Practitioner and previously worked as a Dental Officer in the Ministry of Health.

He has played a key role in shaping dental education and professional standards in Kenya through his contributions to major policy and regulatory documents, including the BDS and MBChB Core Curriculum, the National Guidelines for Inspection and Accreditation of Dental Schools and Teaching Hospitals, and the Guidelines for Dental Interns.

Widely respected for his expertise in accreditation, curriculum development, governance, and evidence-based policy, Dr. Mulli is known for his high moral and ethical standards. His extensive experience strengthens KMPDC’s mandate in regulating dental practitioners and advancing oral health standards in Kenya.

Professor Marion Wanjiku Mutugi is a Professor of Medical Genetics with a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland (1993). A widely published scholar in medical genetics and bioethics, she is guided by the motto: “What’s worth doing, is worth doing well.”

Her work focuses on applying scientific advances to promote and protect human rights, with a strong emphasis on training health professionals in ethical biomedical research and practice. She currently serves as a Commissioner with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

Prof. Mutugi previously served as the inaugural Vice Chancellor of Amref International University (AMIU). She was also Deputy Vice Chancellor for Planning, Research and Development at the University of Kabianga and Director of the Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases (ITROMID) at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where she trained and mentored numerous biomedical professionals across Africa.

She has represented Kenya at the UNESCO Intergovernmental Global Bioethics Committee (IGBC) and served as a reviewer for the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). She was recently appointed Inaugural Chancellor of Outspan Global University.

In 2011, she was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) by the President of Kenya.

Her extensive experience in health sciences education, research, ethics, and human rights strengthens KMPDC’s regulatory mandate.

Professor Fredrick Namenya Were, EBS. is the Chairperson of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), bringing with him over four decades of distinguished service in medicine, health systems research, and regulation. A Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Nairobi, he specializes in Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine and has served as Dean of the School of Medicine and Acting Principal of the College of Health Sciences.

Prof. Were is a nationally and globally recognized expert in child health, having advised the Ministry of Health and international bodies such as WHO, GAVI, and PATH (Program for Appropriate Technology in Health). He chaired Kenya’s National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (KENITAG) and the National Polio Certification Committee, and served on WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization. He currently serves as the Vice Chairperson of PATH’s Global Board of Directors.

He holds a Doctor of Science (DSc) in Health Systems Research and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Paediatrics. As Executive Director of the Kenya Paediatric Research Consortium (KEPRECON), he has led pioneering work in child health policy, immunization, and newborn care.

An awardee of the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS), Prof. Were has authored over 150 scientific publications and numerous national guidelines. He embodies a rare blend of academic rigor, clinical excellence, and regulatory insight — qualities that will steer KMPDC toward strengthened, ethical, and responsive healthcare regulation in Kenya.

Ensuring that all health facility owners share change of location and ownership details with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) is crucial for maintaining accountability, transparency, and the highest standards of healthcare delivery. By keeping accurate records of such changes, KMPDC can e effectively monitor the quality of services provided, and safeguard the well-being of patients. This proactive approach not only promotes trust between healthcare providers and regulatory bodies but also strengthens the integrity of the healthcare system and ultimately benefiting the public.

To change the location or ownership of a health facility in accordance with the requirements of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), several steps must be followed. Initially, the KMPDC requests an inspection of the current facility by the County Public Health Team (CHMT) to evaluate compliance with health and safety regulations. Subsequently, the owner or representative of the health facility fills out the KMPDC’s official application form and submits it along with the inspection report, an Environmental Compliance Report (NEMA), and precise details of the new location, including plot or land registration numbers.

Moreover, detailed ownership information is required, including the applicant’s full name, nationality, profession, contact details, and relevant identification numbers. The KMPDC then reviews all submitted documents to assess the feasibility and regulatory compliance of the proposed changes. Based on the inspection findings and overall application, the KMPDC makes a decision on whether to approve or deny the request for changing the health facility’s particulars.

Interested persons, whether medical or non-medical or organizations can register a health institution. The line of distinction is on the management of patients. Patients can only be managed by qualified medical personnel approved by their relevant regulators.

Requirements for setting up a health facility are clearly stipulated by KMPDC. The registration process has been streamlined such that a common checklist is followed for all the facilities at the same level, whether public, private or faith based.

At level 3B for instance, the in charge of the health facility must be a medical officer with at least three years of practical experience. In case this medical officer opens up such level of a facility, they qualify to be facility administrator and the medical in charge.

On the other hand, if any other proprietor who is not a medical officer with the required experience is interested in setting up such, they can set up the facility but must hire an experienced medical officer in charge whose details should be provided upon submission of the registration documents and a proof of the contract provided.

Non-medical proprietors are only recognized as the directors of the facility who in most cases are the financiers and administrators. In some instances, they may partner with medical personnel rather than hiring them as staff. No health facility is allowed to change the directors or the officer in charge without officially notifying the Council.

Foreign nationals whether medical or non-medical can also register a health facility but only upon partnership with a Kenyan Citizen. As a regulator, KMPDC expects all health facilities to adhere to offering quality and efficient services to all people. All levels of health facilities have made remarkable contribution in the delivery of health services in the country.

The rise of social media has significantly transformed how healthcare professionals interact with patients and the public. While offering opportunities for education, outreach, and community building, it also presents substantial ethical challenges. Misuse of social media by healthcare professionals has underscored critical concerns, particularly around privacy, misinformation, and professionalism. This has created the need for practitioners to understand their obligations when using social media.

One of the fundamental principles of medical ethics is the protection of patient privacy and confidentiality. Unfortunately, numerous instances exist where healthcare professionals have violated this principle on social media. For example, there have been reported cases of professionals posting photos of patients without consent or making derogatory comments about patients. Such actions not only breach patient trust but also contravene legal and ethical standards.

Globally, the misuse of social media by healthcare professionals varies. For instance, a survey in the U.S. found that 31% of physicians believe it is inappropriate to search for patient information online, yet this practice is not uncommon. Furthermore, 53% of Americans are uncomfortable with their medical data being collected by online companies, highlighting a signi cant privacy concern (Etactics, 2023).

To mitigate these risks, healthcare professionals must follow strict guidelines and ethical codes when using social media. Some of the guidelines to consider include:

• When sharing information for the sake of diagnosis, treatment or education and training through social media must ensure that the recipient of information cannot identify the patient from the data disclosed
• Avoid interacting with patients via social media which may cause a failure to maintain a strictly professional relationship with patients.
• The content that you post on social media may harm your employability and recruitment which may limit to advancing professional development and advancement you may be turned away based on questionable digital behaviour.

Avoid:

• Taking photographs during surgery and other forms of treatment or care.
• Making unsubstantiated negative comments about individuals or organisations.
• Making informal or derogatory comments about patients.
• Making comments that may be perceived as racist, sexist, homophobic.

• The information you post will remain on the internet permanently, even if you delete, it does not mean that the content has been removed.
• Avoid using social media when stressed, tired, upset, or under the influence of alcohol.

In conclusion, while social media can be a powerful tool for healthcare professionals, it must be used responsibly to protect patient privacy, maintain professionalism, and ensure accurate dissemination of health information.

Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of complaints reported to the Council regarding medical bills charged to patients by health facilities. Between 2019 and 2023, complaints regarding medical bills accounted for 7% of all complaints reported to the Council. This situation has created the need for practitioners and health facilities to seek financial consent from patients before embarking on treatment. Informed financial consent refers to ensuring that patients fully understand the financial aspects of their healthcare services before proceeding with treatment.

This shows that informed fifnancial consent is a crucial aspect of patient management in healthcare. It ensures that patients are fully informed about the finnancial implications of any medical/dental treatment, or procedure. This includes transparent discussions about costs, insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses, and potential future financial consequences of the proposed treatment.

Informed financial consent is in line with the Kenya National Patient’s Rights Charter of 2013 which stipulates that every patient is entitled to receiving full and accurate information concerning their health and healthcare.

Healthcare providers should transparently disclose all potential costs associated with a particular treatment or procedure. This includes not only the cost of the medical service itself but also any ancillary services, medications, follow-up appointments, and potential complications that might incur additional expenses. It is advised that practitioners and health institutions obtain written acknowledgment from their patients, indicating that they understand the financial aspects of their healthcare on that understanding.

By ensuring that patients are fully informed about the financial aspects of their treatment, informed financial consent aims to promote transparency, empower patients to make decisions that align with their preferences and financial situation, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected financial burdens. Health institutions and practitioners should adhere to this requirement to empower patients to make informed decisions about their care, considering both medical and financial aspects.

Did you know that an application to register a health institution can be rejected because of the name? The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) provides guidelines for naming healthcare facilities to ensure clarity, professionalism, and compliance with regulatory standards.

A suitable name should clearly incorporate the type of healthcare services offered by the facility, include a professional designation, and, if applicable, indicate any specialties to differentiate it from others. Additionally, incorporating a geographical indicator can assist patients in identifying the facility’s location. It is imperative to choose a unique name that avoids misleading terms, adheres to ethical considerations, and respects cultural sensitivities.

Additionally, the chosen name should be easily understandable and pronounceable for all members of the community. Compliance with regulatory and ethical standards is requirements necessary in selecting an appropriate name for a healthcare facility.

KMPDC has unveiled a new logo that represents an exciting evolution in the its brand identity. The new logo aims to better project the Council’s visual identity and reflect its values, professionalism, and commitment to excellence in line with its current strategic plan.

The Council is undertaking a rebranding e ort following the review of its strategic plan period ending in 2022 and an image perception survey conducted in 2023. This comprehensive review of the Council’s performance and image highlighted several areas in need of improvement with particular attention given to its brand identity and logo.

The feedback from stakeholders during the image perception survey played a crucial role in shaping the new design. KMPDC recognizes the importance of involving its diverse audience in the rebranding process ensuring that the new logo reflects the values and aspirations of the Council and its stakeholders.

During the review it became evident that the previous logo faced several challenges that hindered its effectiveness. One of the primary issues was the lack of prominent projection of KMPDC which led to low visual identity of the Council.

The new logo seeks to address the identified issues by introducing several key changes. KMPDC is now prominent and elements within the logo have been reduced enhancing clarity. In addition, a modern font has been selected to replace the outdated typeface ensuring that the logo remains legible across all platforms and sizes. For KMPDC this redesign marks a commitment to professionalism and clarity in its communications.

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, led by their chair Hon. Dr. Robert Pukose, paid a courtesy call to the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) on 29th April, 2024. During the session at the KMPDC headquarters, discussions covered a range of crucial areas, including registration and licensing processes for health facilities and medical practitioners, compliance inspections, training of medical and dental practitioners, and the strengthening of regional offices.

The visit underscored the ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare standards across Kenya. Dr. Pukose and fellow committee members commended the Council’s e orts, particularly in streamlining registration and licensing procedures. These processes are vital for ensuring that health facilities and professionals meet the required standards, thereby safeguarding public health.

The committee also focused on the importance of compliance inspections. Regular inspections are crucial for maintaining high standards in healthcare facilities. They ensure that these facilities adhere to the established regulations and provide quality care to patients. By emphasizing compliance, the KMPDC aims to foster a healthcare environment where safety and excellence are prioritized.

Dr. Pukose stressed the necessity of continued vigilance and cooperation to address challenges in the healthcare sector. He acknowledged the Council’s e orts and called for ongoing collaboration between the National Assembly and the KMPDC to overcome obstacles and enhance healthcare delivery.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to work together in addressing the challenges facing Kenya’s healthcare system. By improving regulatory processes, ensuring compliance, and investing in the training and support of healthcare professionals, the KMPDC and the National Assembly aim to achieve higher healthcare standards and better health outcomes for all Kenyans.