Foreign-trained doctors seeking to practice medicine or dentistry in Kenya must undergo the Medical Internship Qualifying Examination administered by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). This exam ensures that their qualifications meet the standards required for medical and dental practice in Kenya.
Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on the application process, eligibility, required documents, fees, and other essential information.
Application Procedure
Step 1: Collect the Application Form
- Obtain the Application for Internship Qualifying Examination for Foreign-Trained Doctors / EAC Reciprocal Recognition – Form XXIII from the KMPDC offices.
- Alternatively, download the form from the KMPDC website under the “Other Forms” section.
Step 2: Complete and Submit the Form
- Fill in all sections of the application form accurately.
- Attach the required supporting documents (listed below).
- Submit your application either in person at the KMPDC offices or via email at [email protected] before the deadline.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fees
Your application must include proof of payment:
- Application Fee: Ksh 5,000
- Examination / Evaluation Fee: Ksh 30,000
Payments should be made to the KMPDC Board account at any KCB branch:
- Account Number: 1103158643 (Milimani Branch)
- Swift Code: KCBLKKENX
- Bank Code: 01175
Step 4: Verification of Documents
- Once submitted, KMPDC officials will review your documents.
- If discrepancies are found, your application will be returned for correction before resubmission.
- If everything is in order, you will receive an acknowledgment slip or email for reference.
Step 5: Issuance of Examination Card
- Eligible applicants are issued an Internship Qualifying Examination Card and a timetable for the exams.
- The written exam lasts three hours and is usually held at the KMPDC offices.
- The clinical/practical exams are conducted mainly at Kenyatta National Hospital (Medical) and the University of Nairobi Dental Hospital (Dental).
Step 6: Examination Results
- Results are released within two weeks after the exam.
- The pass mark is 50% overall, and candidates must also score at least 50% in clinicals.
Step 7: Next Steps After the Exam
- Successful candidates must apply for a Medical Practitioners Internship License before being placed in an internship center by the Ministry of Health.
- Unsuccessful candidates are allowed up to three (3) exam attempts. Appeals can be directed to the Council Chairperson via [email protected].
Required Documents
Applicants must provide:
- Completed Form XXIII
- Copy of National ID or Passport
- Recent colored passport-size photograph
- Certified copies of academic and professional certificates
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- KCSE Form IV/VI Certificate
- Proof of attachment to a Council-approved training institution (minimum 4 months)
- Proof of English and/or Kiswahili proficiency (for non-Kenyans)
- Letter from Commission for University Education (CUE) confirming recognition of foreign medical/dental school
- ECFMG Verification Form (for foreign-trained applicants)
- Proof of payment of fees (Ksh 5,000 + Ksh 30,000)
- Any additional documents requested by KMPDC
Note: Original degree certificates, ID, and passport must be presented during submission.
Eligibility
- Foreign-trained doctors holding qualifications equivalent to MBChB or BDS from the University of Nairobi must sit for the Council exams.
- Graduates from EAC partner states who studied in approved medical and dental schools are exempt under the EAC Reciprocal Recognition Agreement.
Internship Duration and Structure
- Medical and dental officer interns undergo a 12-month internship, plus one month of paid leave.
- Internship rotations include:
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – 11 weeks
- Prosthetics & Conservative Dentistry – 11 weeks
- Periodontology – 11 weeks
- Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics – 11 weeks
- Community Dentistry (every Friday for one year, 416 hours total)
CPD Requirements During Internship
- Doctors must earn 50 CPD points annually.
- Internship completion certificates must be uploaded to the Integrated CPD Management System, earning interns 50 points.
Processing Time
- Exam results are typically released within two weeks.
Contact Information
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) – Head Office
- Address: Woodlands Rd, Hurlingham, Nairobi
- P.O. Box: 44893 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Email: [email protected]
- Tel: +254-727-666-444 | +254-111-052-222
- Website: www.kmpdc.go.ke
Why This Examination Is Important
The internship qualifying exam is a mandatory step for foreign-trained doctors and dentists who wish to practice in Kenya. It safeguards professional standards, ensures competence, and protects public health by confirming that medical practitioners meet Kenyan requirements.
