Nurses are qualified healthcare workers who are trained in caring for the sick and injured. To qualify to become a nurse in Kenya, you must pursue a nursing course in an accredited institution.
There are four major nursing courses offered in Kenya. They include;
- Certificate in nursing
- Diploma in nursing
- Higher diploma in nursing
- Degree in nursing
Certificate in Nursing
Certificate in nursing is offered by Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campuses countrywide. A minimum aggregate of C- in KCSE is required with relevant combination of other subjects. (Subjects that are used to determine combination include English, Kiswahili, Biological sciences, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physical sciences).
Diploma in Nursing
KMTC also offers diploma in nursing with a required minimum mean grade of C. A combination of relevant subjects is also considered. Whereas certificate in nursing takes 2½ years, a diploma takes 3 ½ years.
Higher Diploma in nursing
At KMTC, to do a higher diploma in nursing you must have Diploma in Nursing or in Community Health Nursing. The same qualifications apply to University of Nairobi and other public universities.
HND holders got a boost after KMTC received a certificate of registration and accreditation following a successful evaluation and subsequent endorsement as a Qualification Awarding Institution (QAI).
The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) designated the Diploma as an equivalent of a University Degree.
Degree in Nursing
If you have done a diploma in nursing, you can upgrade it into a BSc Nursing. For example, at Mt Kenya University, to upgrade you need the following qualifications;
- Diploma in Nursing from a recognized institution
- KCSE mean grade C plain or Division 3
- A valid practice license from nursing council of Kenya
- Two years’ work experience after graduation as a registered nurse
At University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and most public universities, the following qualifications are needed to do a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing:
- Candidates for admission must obtain the prescribed minimum grades in K.C.S.E. in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and English or Kiswahili, or the following:
- Biological Sciences, Physical Science, Mathematics, English or Kiswahili and one subject from group two of K.C.S.E.
- Alternatively, admission may be granted to outstanding diploma holders from recognised Nursing Colleges. Such candidates must: Hold a diploma with credit or distinction from such Colleges.
- Be supported in their application by a statement from the principal of that college to the effect that their performance in the diploma course was exceptionally good and that their understanding of basic sciences is such that they will be able to benefit from a degree course.
- Any candidates currently employed shall have their application supported by a statement from their employer.
Expected salaries of Nurses in Kenya
The lowest paid nurses in Kenya are Group G. Payment in public service is divided into 18 cadres. From Job group A to T with A being the lowest cadre. Entry nurses are classified in job group G and earn between Ksh23,369 and Ksh29,826.
Nurses in job group K earn a basic salary of Ksh40,000 and nurses in job group R earn between Ksh109,089 and Ksh144,928.
Apart from job groups, nurses are also paid according to their place of work and academic qualifications.
Nurses who work in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) earning a basic salary of Ksh129,000. Nurses who have done a diploma course earn upwards of Ksh70,000. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) nurses earn an average salary of Ksh68,000.
Nurses also enjoy the following allowance benefits:
- House allowances of Ksh. 3,500-Ksh. 15,000,
- Extraneous expenses Ksh. 15,000-Ksh. 35,000 depending on the job group,
- Health risk allowance Ksh. 3,850-Ksh. 5,000,
- Uniform allowance Ksh. 10,000 annually,
- Commuter allowance Ksh. 4,000-Ksh. 14,000.
Allowance is determined by your academic qualification, job group, location of work and level of hospital.
Salaries and benefits of nurses who work within the Public Service, are subject to moderation by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission - SRC.
