Health CS Aden Duale ; Kenya to Prioritize Licensing and Employment of Local Doctors Over Foreign Practitioners

Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has confirmed that Kenya will prioritize licensing and hiring local health professionals before considering foreign doctors. The move aims to ensure that Kenyan-trained doctors serve the country first.

Speaking to newsrooms, CS Duale said the State has invested heavily in training both undergraduate and postgraduate health practitioners. “Kenyans trained using public resources must be given first priority to serve our country,” he said. The directive follows reports of individuals applying for registration to practise in Kenya despite lacking recognition in their home countries.

CS Duale said the policy aligns with international best practices. He cited the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which recommend that countries prioritize employment for their own qualified health workforce. “No country worldwide has built a sustainable health system by relying on foreign health workers before licensing its own professionals,” he said.

He added that the MoH will continue reviewing foreign practitioner applications case by case. Foreign doctors will only be allowed where there is a clear skills gap. This is especially true in specialized or emerging fields where local capacity is insufficient. Licensing decisions will focus on national interest and healthcare needs.

CS Duale said Kenya’s approach is neither isolationist nor unique. “Many countries, including high-income nations, prioritize local health professionals while allowing foreign practitioners in exceptional cases,” he explained. The policy will complement local expertise, not replace it.

The Ministry of Health said the initiative will strengthen local capacity and safeguard public investments in medical training. By prioritizing Kenyan professionals first, the government aims to build a strong, self-reliant health system. The move ensures the country can meet both current and future healthcare challenges efficiently.