Kenya Nurse Association Signs Strategic MOU to Empower Nurses

By Njeri Irungu
Nairobi, Kenya – September 9, 2025
The Kenya Nurse Association (KNA) has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kenya Progressive Nurses Association, setting the stage for stronger collaboration in advancing the welfare, skills, and career growth of nurses across the country.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, KNA representatives emphasized that the agreement will focus on equipping nurses with essential knowledge, competencies, and continuous professional development to improve the quality of healthcare delivery.

“We believe that when you empower a nurse, you empower the entire healthcare system,” said one official, echoing sentiments earlier expressed by Dr. Montgomery, Director for CHAP, who underscored the critical role of nurses in strengthening healthcare systems globally.

KNA currently operates through 74 branches nationwide, with some counties hosting multiple branches due to their size and population. The Association is accredited by the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) to provide Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs, ensuring that nurses receive updated training that meets international standards.

The partnership also comes at a time when Kenya produces over 10,000 nursing graduates annually from 164 accredited training institutions, yet the country’s healthcare system can only absorb a fraction of them. For instance, internship opportunities are limited to about 2,000 nurses annually, leaving thousands seeking employment elsewhere.

Kenyan nurses have consistently proven their competence at the international level, excelling in countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Botswana. “Our mission is to bridge the gap between highly qualified African nurses and global healthcare opportunities,” the Association noted.

Kenya Nurse has also been instrumental in helping professionals navigate the rigorous processes required to work abroad, including English proficiency tests and international licensing. By doing so, it supports nurses in accessing jobs in markets that face a global shortage of more than five million nurses.

The Association highlighted the story of its Managing Director, Simiyu Polarana, who worked as a nurse educator in the UK before founding a company that has since supported over 50,000 families through employment and training opportunities for nurses.

Through this new alliance, the two associations aim to expand career opportunities for nurses both locally and abroad, while at the same time strengthening training programs, advancing skills development, and broadening access to CPD opportunities. The collaboration also seeks to champion the welfare of nurses within Kenya’s healthcare system and to encourage global knowledge exchange by linking Kenyan nurses with international best practices.

“This partnership is not just about nurses—it is about the health and future of Kenya,” the KNA leadership affirmed.