The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) imposed a Sh1 million fine on Aga Khan University Hospital for shortcomings in the care of Valarie Cherono Misoi, who died shortly after childbirth in August 2019.

The council’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, in Disciplinary Case No. 70 of 2022, directed the hospital to review and update its medical protocols, strengthen compliance with maternal and perinatal death surveillance, and submit proof of compliance to the council.

The hospital must also disseminate the revised protocols to all staff and medical contractors and demonstrate adherence to emergency obstetric and neonatal care standards.

A mediation process with the deceased’s husband, Lawrence Oyaro, was ordered, with a report on the outcome to be filed within 90 days, and failure to comply could trigger further regulatory action.

The council upheld the committee’s findings at a meeting in January 2026, confirming the fine and the mandated corrective measures.

Background of the complaint

Misoi’s husband filed a complaint alleging that inadequate care led to a hospital‑acquired infection that caused her death; he recounted that she had presented with diarrhoea and abdominal pain on 18 August 2019 and was advised to return for review, which she did not attend.

During delivery on 28 August 2019, Misoi suffered a perineal tear that was stitched, was discharged on 29 August after reporting leg pain and undergoing investigations for a possible clot, and later died from complications linked to infection.

The committee found Dr Gichuki culpable for lacking situational awareness and not consulting senior staff promptly, while absolving other physicians of responsibility.

Settlement negotiations

Lawyers for Oyaro have proposed a Sh100 million settlement, citing general damages, loss of earnings and dependency, whereas the hospital’s own proposal is considerably lower; both parties have been urged to engage in mediation within 60 days.

The council’s directive requires the mediation outcome to be reported within 90 days, but no information is yet available on whether an agreement has been reached.