The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) have rejected the practice of clinical officers and other unauthorised personnel conducting caesarean section procedures, stressing that these medical professionals are not qualified to perform such operations.
In a joint press statement dated February 20, 2025, KMA Secretary General Diana Marion and KOGS President Dr Kireki Omanwa pointed out that allowing these medical professionals to conduct caesarean sections breaches medical practices, established legal frameworks, and global patient safety guidelines.
According to the two organisations, nurses and clinical officers lack the required surgical training, accreditation, and oversight to conduct obstetric and gynecologic surgeries.
Allowing them to perform such procedures without supervision may put the lives of both the mother and newborn at risk. "In recent times, there have been increasing demands by clinical officers and other allied healthcare providers to independently conduct surgical procedures, including caesarean sections," the statement read.
