Kenya's dental schools meet regional standards ahead of EAC evaluation: KDA

Kenya's two public dental schools have attained substantial compliance with regional training standards following a joint inspection by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) and the Commission for University Education (CUE), according to the Kenya Dental Association (KDA).

The inspections, conducted in April 2026, were carried out ahead of the upcoming East African Community (EAC) regional evaluation of medical and dental schools and assessed governance, academic programmes, infrastructure, staffing, student welfare, research capacity and clinical training facilities at the University of Nairobi and Moi University.

According to the association, the University of Nairobi School of Dentistry recorded an overall compliance score of 75.75 per cent under the EAC inspection framework, while Moi University attained 71 per cent.

The KDA said the findings demonstrate the strength of Kenya's public dental education system while highlighting areas requiring further investment, including research funding, laboratory capacity, specialised learning resources and clinical infrastructure.

The association added that ongoing investments supported by the French Government through the French Development Agency are expected to enhance teaching, research and clinical facilities at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi University.

The infrastructure programme, valued at approximately €55 million (about KSh8 billion), is expected to modernise laboratories and improve clinical teaching spaces for medical and dental education.

KDA further welcomed the joint inspection model adopted by KMPDC and CUE, saying it strengthens quality assurance by combining professional regulation with university oversight.

"The inspections send a reassuring message to students, parents, employers and the public that professional healthcare training in Kenya is subject to rigorous scrutiny and that patient safety begins long before a graduate enters clinical practice," said KDA President Dr. Kahura Mundia.

Meanwhile, Kenya is set to host the World Dental Federation (FDI) Regional Congress and Scientific Exhibition for the first time in Africa from October 21 to 23, 2026, in Mombasa.

The event, themed ‘Advancing Dentistry in Africa,’ is expected to attract more than 1,500 delegates, including dentists and other oral health professionals from Kenya and abroad.