A New Generation of Kenyan Nurses Steps Into a Transformed Health System

Last Friday, the graduation ceremony at Nairobi West Hospital College of Health Sciences celebrated more than academic achievement it marked a milestone in Kenya’s evolving healthcare landscape

With over 600 students completing their studies, the event coincided with a national reflection on nursing education: its rapid growth, increasing pressures, and rising importance in a health system still shaped by lessons from COVID-19

Kenya currently has more than 140 accredited nursing and midwifery training institutions, regulated by the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK)

These include public institutions like the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), which offers programs in critical care, peri-operative, and pediatric nursing across its nationwide campuses, as well as faith-based colleges such as AIC Kijabe College of Health Sciences, Cecily McDonell College of Health Sciences, and Great Lakes University of Kisumu

This extensive network forms the backbone of Kenya’s nursing workforce, making strong regulation essential to maintain quality and consistency

Speaking at the ceremony, Doreen Chumba of the NCK emphasized the council’s role:

“We regulate not just how many institutions there are, but how well they teach and how relevant their programmes are to Kenya’s health needs”

Chumba highlighted Nairobi West Hospital College of Health Sciences as one of the fastest-growing institutions, producing top performers in specialized programs such as the Higher Diploma in Critical Care Nursing.

Dr. Kibet Shikuku, Chairperson of the college, framed the discussion within a changing healthcare landscape:

“More nurses are graduating at a time when our health system expects more of them than ever before. It is not enough to fill positions; we must offer care that is safe, compassionate, and technically sound”

The pandemic exposed longstanding gaps: shortages of critical care staff, the emotional toll on frontline workers, and the urgent need for nurses trained in emergency response, complex monitoring, and rapid decision-making

This has fueled a surge in interest in advanced and specialized qualifications, particularly in critical care and emergency nursing

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The college’s new Deputy Principal, Sara Kamamo, reflected on this shift:

“COVID-19 reminded us that health systems rely most on people who can adapt, think clearly under pressure, and respond to emergencies we never imagined. Training must keep pace with that reality”

A highlight of the ceremony was the story of Rose Akoth Ouna, the top national performer in the Higher Diploma in Critical Care Nursing and a full scholarship recipient

Her journey illustrated the challenges many nurses face: financial constraints, balancing work, school, and family, and coping with intense academic and clinical demands.

“There was stress, mental breakdown at times, and anxiety. Most of the content was new, both in class and in clinical rotations, and it often felt impossible,” Rose shared

Despite these challenges, Rose excelled, crediting determination, support systems, and her scholarship for her success. Looking ahead, she remains optimistic:

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“This achievement is only a stepping stone. I hope to advance further academically and in practice”

Her story echoed the ceremony’s central message: Kenya needs not only more nurses, but better-prepared nurses equipped for a world where pandemics, chronic disease burdens, and technological advances are part of everyday practice.

As the applause for the graduates rang out, it honored their success while acknowledging the weight of the work ahead. These new nurses are stepping into a sector that urgently needs their skills, a public that relies on their competence, and a regulatory environment striving to ensure nursing education remains strong enough to meet the nation’s health ambitions

Their work begins now in hospitals, clinics, and communities across Kenya and the questions raised on graduation day about quality, readiness, and regulation will shape their careers long after the applause fades

Writer : Mweru Mbugua