Your right to complain about how you were treated at a hospital
Health Act, 2017; Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority · sources read 5 Oct 2026
You have a legal right to complain about how you were treated at any hospital or clinic, public or private, and to get a written answer within 3 months. Complain to the facility head first; if it is not resolved, KHPOA must act.
- How long
- You must be told in writing what was done within 3 months of complaining
- Where
- The head of the health facility first; then KHPOA, KWFT Building, 11th Floor, Nairobi (info@khpoa.go.ke, 0742 157 424)
Steps
- Look for the complaints procedure on display at the facility. Every facility must show it where people can see it.
- Complain to the head of the facility or the person it names to handle complaints.
- If the facility or the health worker's regulator does not resolve it, take it to the Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA).
Watch out
- Health workers may refuse to treat a patient who is abusive or harasses them, except in an emergency with no one else to help.
- The detailed complaints procedure is set and published by the national or county government responsible for the facility.
Who this covers
- Anyone treated at a health facility, public or private
Official sources (2)
- Health Act (Cap. 241, No. 21 of 2017), version of 10 July 2026 new.kenyalaw.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA): home and contact pages khpoa.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026