Summary of Requirements and Contacts

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree from a recognized institution
• Master of Medicine (MMed) in Diagnostic Radiology from a recognized institution
• Completion of one-year internship training
• Pass internship qualifying examinations
• Pass pre-registration examination (50% pass mark, with 50% minimum in clinicals)

Registration Requirements:

• Registration with Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)
• Recognition as a specialist by KMPDC
• Valid annual practice license
• Professional indemnity insurance cover
• Certificate of good moral standing
• Minimum one year post-internship clinical experience

Licensing Body: Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)

Contact Information:

• Address: P.O. Box 44839-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
• Physical Location: Woodlands Road, off Lenana Road, Nairobi
• Phone: +254 727 666 444 / +254 111 052 222
• Email: info@kmpdc.go.ke / reg.lic@kmpdc.go.ke
• Website: www.kmpdc.go.ke
• Online Services Portal: osp.kmpdc.go.ke

Basic Medical Education Requirements

To become a radiologist in Kenya, candidates must first complete medical school with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from an institution recognized by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council. The MBChB program typically requires a minimum KCSE grade of B+ with strong performance in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and either English or Kiswahili. This foundational medical degree takes approximately five to six years to complete and provides the comprehensive medical knowledge necessary for specialization in radiology.

Upon graduation, all medical graduates must undergo a mandatory one-year internship training program in an approved training center. During this period, interns work under supervision in various clinical departments to gain practical experience. Before beginning internship, foreign-trained doctors who hold degrees from institutions outside Kenya or the East African Community must sit for internship qualifying examinations administered by KMPDC to determine their eligibility for internship training. Graduates from East African Partner States who qualify from approved medical schools are exempted from these board examinations under EAC reciprocal recognition agreements.

Postgraduate Specialization in Radiology

After completing internship and passing pre-registration examinations, aspiring radiologists must pursue specialized postgraduate training. The Master of Medicine in Diagnostic Radiology is offered at select Kenyan universities including the University of Nairobi, Aga Khan University, and Moi University. The MMed Radiology program typically spans four to five years and involves intensive training in various imaging modalities including X-ray, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and interventional radiology techniques. Admission to these programs requires current valid practicing license, proof of completion of internship, and passing pre-entrance interviews and examinations administered by the respective departments.

Training programs expose residents to hands-on instruction with advanced imaging equipment and technologies. Residents learn to interpret complex imaging studies, perform image-guided procedures, and develop expertise in radiation safety protocols. The curriculum includes both theoretical knowledge and extensive clinical rotations in diagnostic imaging departments of teaching and referral hospitals. Throughout the training period, residents must maintain valid professional indemnity insurance cover and conduct themselves according to the Code of Conduct and Medical Ethics established by KMPDC.

Registration and Licensing with KMPDC

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council serves as the statutory regulatory body established under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253, Laws of Kenya) with the mandate to regulate training, practice, and licensing of all medical and dental practitioners in Kenya. Upon completing the MMed in Radiology, graduates must apply to KMPDC for registration as specialists. The Council maintains comprehensive registers of all practitioners including medical and dental practitioners, foreign doctors, interns, and specialists.

For specialist recognition, radiologists must submit their postgraduate training credentials or specialist qualifications, final medical diploma, final medical school transcripts, and certificates of good standing from jurisdictions where they are currently registered. Foreign-trained specialists who obtained qualifications outside the East African Community must use the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates Primary Source Verification system and may undergo peer review assessment to determine suitability for registration and specialist recognition in Kenya. The peer review evaluates the applicant's training and competence according to Kenyan standards.

KMPDC publishes annually an updated list of recognized medical specialties and subspecialties that guides specialist recognition. Diagnostic Radiology is among the recognized specialties, with various subspecialties such as Interventional Radiology also available for further specialization. The Council evaluates whether practitioners meet the minimum duration of specialty training and hold recognized qualifications before granting specialist status.

Annual Practice Licensing

After initial registration, all radiologists practicing in Kenya must obtain and renew annual practice licenses through KMPDC. The Council issues different categories of practice licenses including General Practice, Registrar, Senior Registrar, and Specialist Practice licenses. Radiologists recognized as specialists apply for Specialist Practice licenses, which authorize them to practice radiology independently and provide specialized diagnostic services.

License renewal occurs annually through the Online Services Portal accessible at osp.kmpdc.go.ke. The portal allows practitioners to apply for licenses, update professional and contact details, and access various Council services electronically. The renewal process requires payment of prescribed fees, proof of current professional indemnity insurance cover, and compliance with continuing professional development requirements. All licensed practitioners must also satisfy requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya regarding integrity and ethical conduct.

Professional Requirements and Continuing Development

Beyond initial licensing, radiologists must maintain good standing with KMPDC throughout their careers. This includes adhering to the Code of Conduct and Medical Ethics, maintaining current professional indemnity insurance, and participating in continuing professional development programs. KMPDC has developed an Integrated CPD Management System accessible at icpdkenya.org where practitioners track their continuing education activities.

Employment opportunities for qualified radiologists exist in both public and private sectors including national and county referral hospitals, private hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and teaching institutions. Most positions require current KMPDC registration, valid practice license, specialist recognition, professional indemnity cover, and post-qualification clinical experience ranging from one to five years depending on the role. Radiologists must demonstrate technical competencies in various imaging modalities, strong analytical abilities, understanding of radiation safety standards, and excellent communication skills for interacting with patients and clinical colleagues.