Unlocking Free CPD & CME Courses for Healthcare Professionals in Kenya

Digital Doctors

Sun, 08 Jun 2025

Introduction: The Importance of CPD and CME in Kenya’s Healthcare System

In the fast-evolving world of healthcare, staying updated with the latest medical advancements and techniques is not just a necessity, but a professional obligation. In Kenya, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continuing Medical Education (CME) are essential for healthcare professionals, not only to maintain their licenses but also to improve patient care and outcomes.

CPD refers to the ongoing education of healthcare professionals, encompassing a wide range of learning activities designed to enhance their clinical knowledge, skills, and professional performance. CME, on the other hand, is more specific to medical professionals like doctors, dentists, and pharmacists, focusing on clinical practice updates and new medical advancements.

In Kenya, healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, clinical officers, and pharmacists, are mandated by law to accumulate a certain number of CPD points annually to maintain their practice licenses. However, one of the major challenges in achieving this is the accessibility and affordability of CPD and CME courses. This is where free platforms become invaluable.

This comprehensive guide provides healthcare professionals in Kenya with a detailed look into both local and international platforms offering free CPD and CME opportunities. These courses not only help you meet the necessary requirements but also improve your medical practice and professional development.

Case Study: Overcoming the Challenges of CPD in a Busy Rural Healthcare Setting

Dr. Angela, a general practitioner in a rural Kenyan hospital, faced significant hurdles in her quest to meet her annual CPD requirements. The challenges included a lack of access to affordable courses, insufficient time due to her busy schedule, and minimal internet connectivity in her area. Dr. Angela's situation is not unique. Many healthcare professionals in rural and underserved areas face similar difficulties, often struggling to find the right balance between professional obligations and continued learning.

By discovering online CPD platforms offering free courses tailored to African contexts, Dr. Angela was able to access a variety of CPD-accredited programs. Through platforms like Amref Health Africa and BMJ Learning, she completed essential training modules in tropical diseases and maternal healthcare, earning CPD points without having to leave her facility. With the flexibility of on-demand courses, she could fit learning around her busy schedule, ultimately allowing her to renew her license without extra financial strain.

This example highlights the need for accessible CPD programs, particularly for healthcare providers in remote areas. Now, let's explore the various options available to you as a healthcare professional in Kenya.

Top Local Platforms Offering Free CPD & CME Courses for Healthcare Professionals in Kenya

1. Kenya Medical Association (KMA)

The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) is a key professional body representing doctors in Kenya. The association provides various CPD activities, including workshops, conferences, webinars, and online courses, to help healthcare professionals stay updated with current medical practices.

KMA’s Role in CPD: KMA plays an active role in organizing medical education forums and facilitating discussions on healthcare reforms and advancements. Members have access to exclusive CPD events, many of which are free. These events cover a range of medical specialties, ensuring that all healthcare providers, regardless of their field, can find courses relevant to their practice.

Real-Life Impact: Dr. James, a pediatrician based in Nairobi, noted that KMA’s free webinars on pediatric emergencies provided him with valuable updates on managing neonatal sepsis. The webinar, which earned him CPD points, also gave him insights into innovative treatment protocols being implemented in other parts of the world.
Website: Kenya Medical Association

2. Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) regulates the licensing and professional conduct of doctors and dentists in Kenya. It also accredits CPD courses offered by various providers, ensuring that the courses are aligned with the healthcare needs of Kenya.

Access to Accredited CPD Activities: Through the KMPDC portal, healthcare professionals can find a list of accredited CPD providers and activities. KMPDC's online system allows professionals to track their CPD points and register for upcoming accredited courses.

Case Study: Dr. Omondi, a dental surgeon, found that KMPDC's list of accredited providers helped him identify specific CPD courses on restorative dentistry. By attending a free online webinar provided by one of the accredited providers, he was able to update his skills in minimally invasive techniques, contributing to better patient outcomes.
Website: KMPDC

3. Amref Health Africa – CPD Platform

Amref Health Africa is a leading health development organization in Africa, known for its contributions to healthcare training and capacity building. Their CPD platform provides free and low-cost CPD courses tailored to the healthcare needs of African professionals.

Diverse Course Offerings: The Amref CPD platform offers courses on a wide array of topics, including infectious diseases, maternal and child health, emergency care, and health systems strengthening. The courses are designed for healthcare professionals working in diverse settings, from rural health clinics to urban hospitals.

Case Study: Nurse Margaret, working in a remote health facility in Turkana, used Amref’s free online CPD courses to earn points while learning about the management of malaria in endemic regions. These modules allowed her to gain practical skills and knowledge without needing to leave her post.
Website: Amref Health Africa CPD Platform

4. Kenya Clinical Officers Association (KCOA)

KCOA offers CPD programs specifically designed for clinical officers. As one of the leading professional bodies in Kenya, KCOA ensures that clinical officers have access to CPD opportunities that are relevant to their practice areas.

Special Focus on Clinical Skills: The KCOA platform provides accredited CPD courses focusing on clinical practice, diagnostics, and patient management. These courses are aligned with the Ministry of Health’s priorities and ensure that clinical officers remain competent and informed about the latest treatment protocols.

Case Study: A clinical officer working in a county hospital was able to use KCOA’s CPD resources to update his knowledge on hypertension management. This allowed him to improve the quality of care for his patients with chronic conditions.
Website: KCOA CPD

5. Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK)

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) is committed to providing CPD opportunities for pharmacists across Kenya. PSK’s CPD platform offers both free and subsidized courses focusing on various aspects of pharmaceutical practice, from clinical pharmacy to pharmaceutical policy.

Tailored CPD for Pharmacists: PSK’s CPD courses cover areas such as patient care, pharmacovigilance, and medication management. These courses are accredited and designed to help pharmacists stay updated with global best practices in pharmaceutical care.

Case Study: A pharmacist working in Nairobi’s private sector found PSK’s free CPD courses on patient safety and drug interactions invaluable. The course enabled her to improve her clinical counseling services and reduce medication errors, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes.
Website: Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya

International Platforms Offering Free CPD & CME Courses for Kenyan Healthcare Professionals

1. Medscape

Medscape is a renowned global platform offering free CME/CPD credits to healthcare professionals. The courses cover various medical specialties and provide comprehensive resources to enhance clinical knowledge.

Global Reach with Local Relevance: Medscape offers thousands of free CME courses, many of which are relevant to healthcare professionals in Kenya, especially in fields such as infectious diseases, cardiology, and pediatrics.

Case Study: A physician in Mombasa used Medscape’s free courses to gain knowledge about the latest HIV treatment guidelines, which helped him manage his patients with more up-to-date protocols.
Website: Medscape CME & Education

2. BMJ Learning

BMJ Learning provides an extensive library of CPD courses designed for healthcare professionals. These courses are clinically relevant, with a strong focus on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.

Flexibility and Access: BMJ Learning allows healthcare professionals to access short, self-paced modules that can be completed at their convenience. Many courses are free and focus on both global and regional health issues.

Case Study: A nurse in Kisumu accessed BMJ Learning’s free module on neonatal resuscitation, improving her ability to manage newborns in critical condition. This knowledge helped her team save lives during emergency deliveries.
Website: BMJ Learning

Conclusion: Maximizing the Impact of Free CPD & CME Courses in Kenya

For healthcare professionals in Kenya, free CPD and CME platforms offer an excellent opportunity to stay current with medical advancements while fulfilling licensing requirements. By leveraging both local and international resources, professionals can improve their clinical skills, enhance patient care, and contribute to the overall development of the healthcare system.

Whether you're working in a busy urban hospital or a remote rural clinic, the free CPD courses listed in this guide provide a wealth of knowledge tailored to meet your needs. Start exploring these platforms today and unlock new opportunities for professional growth and patient care excellence.