Healthcare
Nursing Jobs in Kenya – Career Opportunities
Nursing is one of the most critical professions in Kenya’s healthcare system. With growing demand in both public and private health sectors — and an increasing number of NGOs and international agencies investing in health programs — nursing jobs in Kenya continue to offer stable, respected, and fulfilling career opportunities.
Whether you are a recent graduate from KMTC or a registered nurse looking to specialize, this comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about nursing careers in Kenya — including job types, qualifications, salaries, and top hiring institutions.
What Do Nurses in Kenya Do?
Nurses provide patient care, monitor health conditions, assist in medical procedures, educate patients, and collaborate with doctors and specialists. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, community outreach programs, and even remote health camps.
Key Responsibilities:
- Administering medication and treatments
- Monitoring patient vitals and progress
- Wound care and infection control
- Educating patients on health and hygiene
- Assisting in surgeries or emergency procedures
- Recording and reporting patient data
Common Types of Nursing Jobs in Kenya
| Job Title | Typical Setting | Monthly Salary (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolled Nurse | Clinics, dispensaries | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Registered Nurse (KRCHN) | County hospitals, private facilities | 50,000 – 100,000 |
| ICU/ER Nurse | Referral hospitals, private hospitals | 80,000 – 180,000 |
| Midwife | Maternity wards, clinics, NGOs | 60,000 – 150,000 |
| Community Health Nurse | NGOs, public health projects | 50,000 – 120,000 |
| Nurse Educator | KMTC, nursing schools | 80,000 – 160,000 |
| Nursing Officer | Senior management in hospitals | 120,000 – 300,000 |
| Research Nurse | NGOs, academic projects | 80,000 – 200,000 |
Specialized nurses (ICU, oncology, renal, mental health) often earn more than general nurses.
Qualifications Required for Nursing Jobs in Kenya
Academic Pathways:
- Certificate in Nursing (EN) – For enrolled nurses (typically 2.5 years)
- Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN) – 3.5 years (KMTC or approved colleges)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) – 4 years at public/private universities
- Higher Diploma/Specialization – In areas like critical care, renal nursing, mental health
Licensing & Registration:
- Must be registered with the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK)
- Must hold a valid practicing license renewed annually
- Nurses trained abroad must undergo NCK registration exams
Desirable Skills:
- Clinical knowledge & attention to detail
- Communication & interpersonal skills
- Empathy and emotional resilience
- Ability to handle stress and long shifts
- Computer literacy and electronic medical record systems
Top Employers Hiring Nurses in Kenya
Government/Public Sector:
- Ministry of Health (MOH)
- County governments (Level 3–6 hospitals)
- Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)
Private Hospitals:
- Nairobi Hospital
- Aga Khan University Hospital
- Mater Hospital
- MP Shah Hospital
- Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital
- Avenue Healthcare
- Nairobi Women’s Hospital
NGOs and International Agencies:
- MSF (Doctors Without Borders)
- AMREF Health Africa
- IRC (International Rescue Committee)
- Red Cross Kenya
- UNICEF, UNHCR
- Health NGOs working in refugee and remote areas (e.g., Turkana, Dadaab)
Where to Find Nursing Jobs in Kenya
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| BrighterMonday Kenya | General & private hospital listings |
| MyJobMag Kenya | NGO and government jobs |
| jobsweber.com | Entry-level to mid-level nursing roles |
| ReliefWeb | NGO nursing jobs (AMREF, MSF, IRC) |
| Public Service Commission Portal | County and national government jobs |
| Hospital Websites | Direct application (Aga Khan, Nairobi Hospital) |
| Verified job posts and networking |
Nursing Salary Expectations in Kenya (2025)
Salaries depend on employer type, location, and experience level:
| Experience Level | Public Sector (MOH/County) | Private Sector | NGO Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | KSh 35,000 – 60,000 | 50,000 – 80,000 | 70,000 – 150,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | KSh 60,000 – 100,000 | 80,000 – 150,000 | 150,000 – 250,000 |
| Senior/Managerial | KSh 100,000 – 150,000 | 150,000 – 300,000 | 200,000 – 400,000+ |
Growing Opportunities for Nurses in Kenya
- Increased hiring of critical care and ICU nurses due to rising chronic illness rates
- NGOs scaling community health programs in underserved counties
- Telemedicine and digital health nurses supporting remote consultations
- More demand for mental health and psychiatric nurses
- County governments creating contract-based nurse positions through Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
How to Stand Out in Nursing Job Applications
- Keep your NCK license current and accessible
- Tailor your CV to highlight clinical achievements:
- Include CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses and seminars
- Mention experience with EMR systems, COVID-19 protocols, and community outreach
- Prepare well for oral interviews and practical exams, especially for government roles
Real Success Story
“After graduating from KMTC in 2020, I volunteered at a county hospital. That experience helped me secure a nursing role with an NGO working in Turkana. The exposure and pay have been life-changing.”
— Mary W., Community Health Nurse
Where to Learn and Upskill as a Nurse in Kenya
- Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) – Short courses & higher diplomas
- Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) – CPD portal and license renewal
- Amref Virtual Academy – Online health courses
- Coursera/Udemy – Global certifications in leadership, patient care, health systems
Final Thoughts on Nursing Jobs in Kenya
Nursing jobs in Kenya offer a path to a respected, rewarding, and stable career, especially for those passionate about patient care and community impact. Whether you want to work in a city hospital or remote field setting, the key is to stay updated, licensed, and committed to lifelong learning.
Need help preparing your nursing CV or job interview questions?
Drop a comment below or request a free professional CV template for nurses.