Mount Kenya University has welcomed a High Court decision permitting it to maintain its Bachelor of Science in Oral Health program, describing the verdict as significant progress toward addressing Kenya’s deficit in oral health professionals.
The ruling came after a petition by the Oral Health Association of Kenya following Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s instruction to discontinue the program earlier this year.
In his judgment, High Court Judge William Musyoka invalidated the directive, determining that the Health CS had exceeded his legal authority. The court reiterated that only the Commission for University Education (CUE) possesses the power to accredit, regulate, or terminate university academic programs in Kenya.
The conflict originated from a February letter written by Duale to MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jaganyi, where the CS contended that the program did not match Kenya’s oral health requirements and failed to demonstrate a clear service gap justifying its continuation.
Nevertheless, the Oral Health Association of Kenya contested the directive, asserting that the program had properly received CUE accreditation in 2016 and that the Ministry of Health had improperly taken on responsibilities reserved for the higher education regulator.
The association also claimed that discontinuing the program would endanger the academic and professional prospects of the 225 students currently enrolled.
“Accordingly, the first respondent lacks authority, under the Universities Act, to terminate a degree program provided by a university in Kenya,” Justice Musyoka ruled.
The judge further criticized the Ministry of Health for contacting the university directly regarding academic matters rather than addressing concerns through the Ministry of Education.
“There should be no situation where the first respondent communicates directly with a university about its academic programs, circumventing the Cabinet Secretary responsible for Education,” the court stated.
On April 21, CUE officially confirmed the program’s accreditation, noting it remains valid under the Universities Act. The commission also verified it continues to collaborate with the university’s Internal Quality Assurance Office to ensure compliance with established standards.
Sector data reveals Kenya continues to experience a severe shortage of oral health professionals. Information from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council shows only 1,426 dentists have been registered since 1978. Meanwhile, the Kenya Dental Association estimates fewer than 800 dentists are actively practicing, which equates to approximately one dentist for every 50,000 Kenyans.
This falls substantially below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one dentist per 7,000 people.
MKU states the Bachelor of Science in Oral Health program was created to help close this divide and improve access to oral healthcare services, particularly among underserved communities.
Despite the ruling, the Kenya Dental Association on June 9, 2026, expressed concerns about establishing healthcare training programs without sufficient consultation and approval from professional regulatory bodies, urging both the Ministries of Health and Education to intervene.
MKU, however, maintains that all proper procedures were followed in developing and accrediting the program, citing ongoing supervision and recognition by CUE.
The university indicates the court ruling affirms its right to continue offering the program while protecting the interests of the 225 students currently enrolled.