# How long should a mental health practice keep client records, and how should it dispose of them?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-long-should-a-mental-health-practice-keep-client-records-and-how-should-it-dispose-of-them
For: Clinicians | Data protection and privacy | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** No single retention period for private mental health records was confirmed. The Data Protection Act requires data to be kept no longer than necessary. The 2025 Digital Health regulations set a 20-year retention and archival period for records held in the national Digital Health System. The National Tele-Mental Health Guidelines require secure disposal of data and devices and that clients be told how long records are kept. Set a written retention policy and get advice from your regulator or lawyer.

Sources: Kenya Law: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/2019/24/eng%402022-12-31 - Kenya Law: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/ln/2025/76/eng@2025-04-11 - Ministry of Health, Kenya: https://www.mntrh.go.ke/sites/default/files/2024-10/M.O.H-National-Tele-Mental-Health-Guidelines-January-2021.pdf - Kenya Law: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/2019/24/eng@2022-12-31 - Kenya Law: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/ln/2021/263/eng@2022-12-31

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