By Steve El Sabai
Kenya Nurses Association (KNA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kenya Progressive Nurses Association (KPNA), marking a historic partnership aimed at transforming the nursing profession in Kenya. The strategic alliance will focus on enhancing nurses’ skills, promoting their welfare, and opening up career growth opportunities both locally and internationally.
The agreement will prioritize continuous professional development (CPD), mentorship, and medical education, ensuring that nurses acquire the competencies needed to deliver world-class healthcare. Both associations are accredited to provide CPD programs, enabling members to keep pace with evolving healthcare standards.
Speaking during the signing, officials stressed the importance of empowering nurses, noting that they form the backbone of healthcare delivery in Kenya. Statistics show that nearly 80 percent of patients encounter a nurse first before receiving other medical services.
“When you empower nurses, you empower the entire healthcare system. This partnership will give nurses the tools they need to thrive while improving patient care across the country,” a representative said.
Kenya produces over 10,000 nursing graduates annually from 164 accredited institutions. However, only about 2,000 internship slots are available each year, leaving many qualified nurses struggling to secure employment. The new partnership seeks to bridge this gap by supporting nurses in accessing global opportunities, particularly in countries facing acute shortages.
Globally, the World Health Organization estimates a shortage of more than 5 million nurses. Kenyan nurses, recognized for their high level of training and competence, are already excelling abroad in destinations such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Botswana. The alliance with KPNA will create structured support systems, including preparation for English proficiency exams and international recruitment processes, to ensure more nurses can successfully transition to global careers.
Beyond career mobility, the collaboration is expected to have a ripple effect on Kenya’s socio-economic development. Remittances from nurses working abroad not only uplift families but also contribute to national growth. Successful examples such as nurse educator Simi Polarana, who after excelling in the UK has supported more than 50,000 families through his initiatives, illustrate the broader impact of empowering the profession.
The signing of the MOU signals a new era for nursing in Kenya. It underscores a shared vision to elevate the profession, strengthen healthcare delivery, and position Kenyan nurses as leaders in both local and global health systems.
