Nurses Week Spotlight: Calls Grow for Better Pay, Staffing, and Career Growth in Kenya

By Faith Wanza

Dr.Judith Awinja ministry of health director of nursing services

As the world marks Nurses Week, healthcare voices across Kenya are getting louder not just in celebration, but in calling out serious gaps affecting nurses and patient care.

Nurses remain the backbone of the health system, often the first and last point of contact for patients. Yet behind the dedication is a reality of staff shortages, delayed salaries, limited career progression, and tough working conditions.

According to sector stakeholders, Kenya has played a key role in regional health responses, supporting countries like Liberia and Uganda during outbreaks such as Ebola. However, back home, the system is still struggling to maintain adequate nurse-to-patient ratios. Many facilities are understaffed due to years of attrition, migration, and limited employment opportunities.

The shortage is not just a statistic it directly impacts service delivery. Overworked nurses face burnout, which can affect the quality of care patients receive. Health experts are now pushing for long-term employment strategies instead of short-term fixes.

Beyond hiring, there is a strong push for better terms of service. Nurses are calling for fair pay, timely salaries, and improved working conditions. There is also emphasis on implementing structured career progression guidelines to motivate and retain talent in the sector.

Despite the challenges, Kenyan nurses continue to earn global recognition. They are among the most sought-after professionals worldwide due to their training, discipline, and resilience. The Nursing Council of Kenya has been credited for maintaining high education and practice standards over the years.

Career growth in nursing has also improved, with professionals now able to advance from certificate level all the way to PhD. This has strengthened the profession and increased the capacity to handle complex health issues.

Still, stakeholders argue that more needs to be done. There are calls for the government to fully implement existing policies, establish stronger leadership structures including a director of nursing within the Ministry of Health and ensure nurses are actively involved in decision making.

As Nurses Week continues, the message is clear  appreciation is not just about words or celebrations it must be backed by action.

Because at the end of the day, when nurses are supported, the entire healthcare system wins.

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