When a Medical Error Becomes a Legal Battle: The Significance of Professional Indemnity Insurance Cover for Doctors in Kenya
- Ebrahim Yusuf
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
In June 2025, news broke that Aga Khan University Hospital and a gynecologist, Dr. Raffique Parker, were ordered to pay KES 157 million in damages after a patient’s cervix was allegedly removed without informed consent during surgery.
The case shocked many Kenyans — not only for the magnitude of the compensation but for what it revealed about the growing number of medical negligence lawsuits in Kenya.
For the patient, it was a story of pain and loss. For the doctor and hospital, it was a sobering reminder that even the most skilled professionals can face life-changing financial and reputational risks when things go wrong.
Understanding Professional Indemnity Insurance for doctors in Kenya
Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance protects professionals — including doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants — from legal costs and compensation claims resulting from alleged negligence or professional errors.
In healthcare, PI insurance offers protection in cases where:
A patient files a claim for medical negligence or malpractice.
Legal defense or expert witness fees are required.
Courts award compensation or settlements.
In Kenya, proffessional indemnity insurance cover for doctors is vital. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) often requires practitioners, especially those in private practice, to maintain valid professional indemnity cover.
When Things Go Wrong: Both Sides Matter
Healthcare is built on trust. When that trust breaks, the results can be devastating.
For patients, medical errors bring emotional trauma and financial burden. Legal recourse is often their only path to justice.
For doctors, however, not all adverse outcomes are due to negligence. Medical procedures carry risks, and even with due care, complications may arise.
Professional indemnity insurance ensures both sides are protected — patients receive fair compensation while doctors avoid financial ruin and can continue practicing confidently.
The Kenyan Landscape
Medical negligence cases in Kenya are on the rise. Settlements are growing larger, often exceeding KES 100 million. This reflects an evolving awareness of patient rights and a more assertive legal framework.
For hospitals, group indemnity policies protect entire teams. For individual doctors, especially those in private practice, personal cover is essential. Naveah Capital partners with leading insurers to ensure healthcare professionals receive customized, affordable cover that matches their risk exposure.
Our Role at Naveah Capital Insurance Agency
At Naveah Capital, we simplify indemnity insurance for Doctors. We work with Kenya’s top insurers to help doctors secure:
Tailored protection for private and corporate practice.
Fast claims support and expert guidance during legal cases.
Transparent, fair pricing with flexible payment options.
We understand the emotional and financial weight of these situations — and we’re here to support both your career and peace of mind.