Clinical Officer's License Requirements in Kenya, Licencing Body & Contacts

Executive Summary

• All clinical officers practicing in Kenya must be registered and licensed by the Clinical Officers Council (COC)
• Registration and licensing is governed by the Clinical Officers (Training, Registration and Licensing) Act No. 20 of 2017
• Requirements include completion of approved training, passing council exams, and completing a one-year internship
• Registration fees are KES 11,500 for both diploma and degree holders
• Licenses must be renewed every two years with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points
• The COC is located at Blue Violets Plaza on Kindaruma Road, Nairobi
• Contact: +254 725 705 144 | Email: info@clinicalofficerscouncil.org
• Online services available through the COC portal for applications and renewals
• Late registration attracts hefty penalties of 50% of prescribed fees
• Foreign-trained clinical officers must meet equivalency standards to practice in Kenya

The Regulatory Framework

The practice of clinical medicine in Kenya operates under strict regulatory oversight designed to ensure patient safety and maintain professional standards. Every clinical officer practicing in Kenya is required to be registered and licensed with the Clinical Officers Council in accordance with the Clinical Officers (Training, Registration and Licensing) Act, 2017. This legislation replaced the older 1988 Act and established comprehensive guidelines for training, registration, and professional conduct.

Clinical officers represent a crucial cadre in Kenya's healthcare system, authorized to diagnose, treat, prescribe medication, and perform medical procedures within their scope of training. The licensing requirements ensure that all practitioners meet standardized competency levels before entering professional practice.

About the Clinical Officers Council (COC)

The Clinical Officers Council of Kenya is a body corporate with perpetual succession established under the Clinical Officers (Training, Registration and Licensing) Act No. 20 of 2017. The Council serves as the primary regulatory authority responsible for supervising and controlling clinical officer training and professional practice throughout Kenya.

Functions of the Council

The COC carries out several critical functions including:

• Advising government on policy matters relating to clinical medicine practice
• Prescribing minimum educational entry requirements for clinical officer training
• Approving and accrediting training institutions and programs
• Registering and licensing clinical officers
• Maintaining a national register of all registered clinical officers
• Publishing names of registered clinical officers annually in the Kenya Gazette
• Regulating professional conduct and maintaining practice standards
• Establishing continuing professional education programs
• Investigating complaints and enforcing disciplinary measures

License Requirements for Clinical Officers

Educational Requirements

Aspiring clinical officers must complete rigorous academic and practical training before qualifying for registration. Clinical officers must study clinical medicine and surgery or clinical medicine and community health for three or four years, graduate from a government-accredited medical training college, and meet all prescribed educational standards.

Training institutions must be approved by the Council, with major institutions including Kenya Medical Training College and various universities offering clinical medicine programs.

Examination Requirements

Eligible applicants, upon completion of training in an approved institution, shall be required to sit a prescribed Council exam. These comprehensive examinations assess theoretical knowledge and clinical competency before candidates proceed to internship.

Internship Program

Successful candidates shall be posted for a one year internship in approved teaching hospitals. This supervised clinical practice period allows graduates to apply their knowledge under experienced supervision, building practical skills essential for independent practice.

Registration Timeline

Upon successful completion of internship the applicants will be required to submit required documents for registration and licensing within 3 months after internship. This timeline ensures timely processing while allowing new practitioners to gather necessary documentation.

Registration Fees

The COC has established standardized fees for registration and licensing:

Late registration will attract hefty penalties, making it essential for clinical officers to complete their registration within prescribed timelines.

Foreign-Trained Clinical Officers

Kenya welcomes clinical officers trained abroad, subject to meeting equivalency requirements. Professionals trained outside Kenya who may wish to be registered by the Council shall be required to show proof of qualification/competency equivalent to standards established in Kenya.

Foreign-trained practitioners must provide:

• Proof of diploma or degree from a recognized institution
• Documentation of accreditation by their country's regulatory authority
• Evidence of supervised medical practice for at least twelve months
• Qualifications meeting Kenyan clinical officer training standards

The Council evaluates each application individually to ensure foreign qualifications align with local standards before granting registration.

License Renewal Process

Clinical officers in the public sector intending to continue practicing in the medical profession are required to renew their public practice licenses after two years with the Clinical Officers Council. The renewal process ensures practitioners maintain current knowledge through continuing professional development.

Renewal Requirements

License renewal depends on several factors:

• Accumulation of required CPD points
• Adherence to professional standards and ethics
• Payment of renewal fees
• Updated professional and contact information
• Valid identification documents

Application Methods

Clinical officers can renew licenses through two channels:

In-Person Application: Visit the COC office with completed forms and supporting documents, pay fees through designated bank channels, and collect the license upon processing.

Online Application: Register on the COC portal at portal.clinicalofficerscouncil.org, complete the online renewal form, upload required documents, make payment via M-Pesa or bank transfer, and download the license upon approval.

Clinical Officers Council Contact Information

Physical Address

Clinical Officers Council
Blue Violets Plaza, Suite 203
Kindaruma Road, Off Ngong Road
Nairobi, Kenya

Postal Address
P.O. Box 19795
K.N.H., Nairobi

Contact Details

Phone: +254 725 705 144
Fax: 020 722618
Email: info@clinicalofficerscouncil.org
Website: www.clinicalofficerscouncil.org
Online Portal: portal.clinicalofficerscouncil.org

Office Hours

The Council office operates during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. Applicants are advised to arrive early for faster service, particularly during peak registration periods.

Benefits of Registration

Proper registration and licensing provides clinical officers with numerous professional advantages:

Legal Authorization: Licensed practitioners can legally practice medicine within their scope of training across Kenya.

Professional Recognition: Registration validates qualifications and professional standing within the healthcare community.

Employment Eligibility: Most healthcare employers require valid COC registration as a condition of employment.

Union Membership: Licensed clinical officers qualify for membership in the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), which advocates for professional interests.

Insurance Coverage: Professional indemnity insurance typically requires valid licensing.

Career Advancement: Registration opens pathways for specialization, further training, and career progression within the health sector.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Operating without valid registration carries serious consequences. Clinical officers must maintain current licenses to avoid legal and professional repercussions including:

• Removal from the national register
• Legal prosecution under Kenya's health laws
• Inability to practice medicine legally
• Disqualification from public and private sector employment
• Professional liability in case of patient harm
• Loss of insurance coverage

The Council maintains strict enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance, protecting public health and maintaining professional standards.

Maintaining Professional Standards

The COC emphasizes continuing professional development to ensure clinical officers remain current with medical advances. Licensed practitioners must participate in approved CPD programs, accumulating points through:

• Attending medical conferences and seminars
• Completing certified training courses
• Publishing research in medical journals
• Participating in peer review activities
• Teaching or mentoring junior colleagues

These activities ensure clinical officers maintain competency throughout their careers, directly benefiting patient care quality.

Application Process Summary

For new clinical officers seeking initial registration:

1. Complete approved clinical medicine training program
2. Pass COC licensing examinations
3. Successfully complete one-year internship
4. Gather required documents within three months of internship completion
5. Submit application with prescribed fees
6. Await verification and processing
7. Collect registration certificate and practice license

The streamlined process ensures qualified practitioners can begin their careers promptly while maintaining rigorous standards.

Future Developments

The Clinical Officers Council continues evolving its regulatory framework to address emerging healthcare needs. Recent initiatives include enhanced online services, improved processing times, and strengthened enforcement mechanisms. The Council also collaborates with training institutions to ensure curriculum standards align with modern healthcare demands.

As Kenya's healthcare system expands, clinical officers play an increasingly vital role in service delivery, particularly in underserved areas. Proper licensing ensures these essential healthcare providers maintain the highest professional standards, directly impacting patient outcomes nationwide.