Guide to Permanent Registration as a Medical Practitioner in Kenya

To legally practice medicine in Kenya, doctors are required to obtain permanent registration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). Registration ensures that practitioners meet professional standards and comply with national health laws.

This guide provides clear instructions on eligibility requirements, application procedures, fees, required documents, validity of registration, and processing timelines.

Eligibility Criteria

A person is eligible to apply for permanent registration as a medical practitioner if they:

Are a citizen of Kenya or another East African Community (EAC) member state.
Hold a recognized medical degree or qualification from a university in Kenya or within the EAC.
Have successfully completed internship training at an accredited facility.
Have passed the internship qualifying examinations.
Have completed and passed the pre-registration examination (for certain applicants).
Can demonstrate good moral and professional conduct to the satisfaction of the Council.

Application Procedure

Obtain Application Forms
- Collect the following forms from KMPDC offices or download them from the official KMPDC website:
  - Application for Permanent Registration as a Medical or Dental Practitioner (Form II).
  - Internship Completion Certificate for Medical practitioners.
Complete and Submit Forms
- Fill out the forms carefully and attach all required documents listed under the “Required Documents” section.
- Submit the completed forms and documents in person at the KMPDC Head Office.
Pay the Registration Fee
- Fee: Kshs. 8,000.
- Payments should be made at any KCB branch to the following account:
  - Account Name: KMPDC
  - Account Number: 1103158643 (Milimani Branch)
  - Swift Code: KCBLKENX
Application Review
- KMPDC officers will check your documents for accuracy and completeness.
- If discrepancies are found, your application will be returned for correction before resubmission.
Acknowledgment Slip
- If your application meets all requirements, you will receive an acknowledgment slip. This acts as proof of submission and can be used for future inquiries.
Additional Information Requests
- The Council may request further information. Failure to provide this within the required timeframe will result in rejection of the application.
Issuance of Certificate
- Once approved, usually within 14 working days, you will be issued a Permanent Medical Practitioners’ Registration Certificate.
- The certificate is valid indefinitely unless suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
- To collect the certificate, present your national ID or passport together with the acknowledgment slip.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide the following:

Completed application form for permanent registration.
Internship Completion Certificate (Medical).
Copy of National ID or Passport.
Recent colored passport-size photograph.
Certified copies of academic and professional certificates.
Internship Assessment Forms (duly filled, stamped, and signed).
Evidence of passing the pre-registration or internship qualifying examination (for foreign-trained doctors).
Evidence of registration from an EAC partner state (for reciprocal registration applicants).
Proof of payment of Kshs. 8,000 registration fee.
Original degree or diploma certificate (must be presented at KMPDC for verification).
Any additional documents requested by the Council.

Processing Time

The processing of permanent registration applications takes approximately 14 working days, provided all required documents are correctly submitted.

Validity of Registration

The Permanent Registration Certificate is valid indefinitely but may be suspended, revoked, or cancelled by KMPDC if the practitioner violates professional or legal requirements.

Office Location & Contact Details

Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) – Head Office
Woodlands Road, Hurlingham, Nairobi
P.O. Box 44893 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +254-727-666-444 | +254-111-052-222
Website: www.kmpdc.go.ke

Why Registration is Important

Practicing medicine without registration is an offense under Section 22 of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act.
Registration guarantees professional recognition and allows doctors to work in public or private healthcare institutions.
It also ensures compliance with health sector regulations and enhances patient trust.

Summary

Permanent registration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) is a mandatory requirement for doctors who want to legally practice medicine in Kenya. The process involves submitting application forms, supporting documents, proof of payment, and undergoing verification by the Council. Once approved, practitioners are issued an indefinite registration certificate, allowing them to practice medicine lawfully in the country.