Ombudsman Statement On KMPDC Dentistry Regulation Report Submission

The Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman) has directed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to submit an institutional report or relevant documentation on the regulation of dentistry in Kenya within seven days.

This directive responds to a request for information by Dr. Kahura Mundia, which will inform the Commission's decision on his pending appeal for review. The directive has been issued pursuant to Section 22(3) of the Access to Information Act, 2016, and Regulation 25(1) of the ATI General Regulations, 2023.

The Commission received Dr. Mundia's application for review under Section 14(1)(a) of the ATI Act, 2016. In his submission, Dr. Mundia stated that he had requested information from the CEO of the KMPDC via a letter dated March 6, 2025, regarding the regulation of dentistry in Kenya. He highlighted concerns over the Council's publication of scopes of practice for dental practitioners and auxiliary cadres (Community Oral Health Officers, or COHOs), noting that their "motive, intent, placement, and purposes" remain unclear.

Dr. Mundia emphasized that his request aligns with constitutional guarantees under Article 43(1)(a) (right to healthcare) and Article 46 on consumer rights and quality service provision.

The information sought included;

i. certified copies of minutes from a February 27, 2025, meeting between the regulator and stakeholders addressing alleged mis-regulation of dentistry, including illegal licensing and the revocation of scopes of practice.

ii. Curricula from Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and Mount Kenya University (MKU) for COHO diploma and degree programs, as submitted to the regulator;

iii. Regulator-issued internship logbooks for KMTC and MKU COHOs, as well as dental officers trained in Bachelor of Dental Surgery programs;

iv. The current scope of practice for dental practitioners/dentists and COHOs and;

V. Inspection reports for training facilities at KMTC, MKU, and public universities offering Bachelor of Dental Surgery programs.

Dr. Mundia's appeal cites the failure by the CEO, KMPDC to respond to his initial requests dated 6th March 2025. The Commission has warned that if the CEO does not comply within the stipulated timeframe, it will proceed to determine the appeal without further input from the Council.