Kenya’s healthcare sector has received a significant boost after 124 specialist nurses graduated from The Nairobi Hospital’s Cicely McDonell College of Health Sciences on November 29, 2024. This marks the college’s 29th graduation ceremony and is a pivotal moment for addressing the country’s acute nursing shortage and improving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The graduating class included 81 registered nurses who completed a rigorous three-year diploma programme and 43 higher diploma nurses who specialized in critical care, peri-operative nursing, trauma and emergency, and nephrology. College principal Margaret Sirima praised the graduates’ achievements, noting a 98% pass rate in their professional licensing exams.
“These graduates are competent practitioners ready to make an impact in the healthcare field,” Sirima said during the ceremony.
The specialization of these nurses is particularly significant given Kenya’s current healthcare challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a nurse-to-patient ratio of 25 nurses per 10,000 people. However, Kenya falls short, with only eight nurses per 10,000 people a disparity that underscores the critical role of specialized training. With over 50 million Kenyans served by just 60,000 nurses, the gap in healthcare provision remains wide.
A Step Toward Addressing Shortages
The graduates represent a timely addition to key areas with a shortage of trained nurses. Among the higher diploma graduates, 12 specialized in critical care, 11 in peri-operative nursing, 13 in trauma and emergency nursing, and seven in nephrology. These areas are vital for enhancing service delivery in hospitals and implementing UHC.
Chair of the Kenya Hospital Association, Chris Bichage, reassured the graduates of job opportunities, emphasizing The Nairobi Hospital’s commitment to absorbing its alumni.
“As your board chair, let me promise you that going forward, employing you will be our priority. I commit directly that any available slots for nurses in this hospital will go to you, our graduates,” Bichage stated.
Such commitments are crucial for retaining skilled professionals within the country’s healthcare system, which struggles to compete with international opportunities.
Global Opportunities for Kenyan Nurses
The Cicely McDonell College has also expanded its focus globally through a partnership with the AG German Institute. This initiative, which began in May 2024, equips students with German language skills, preparing them for international employment opportunities. Of the 2024 cohort, 15 students participated in the program, with six completing the qualifying exams and one already securing a contract with a German hospital.
Sirima highlighted the importance of these collaborations for bridging the local workforce gap while providing opportunities for Kenyan nurses to gain international experience.
Specialized Training and UHC
Specialized nursing is critical to achieving sustainable healthcare and ensuring healthy lives for all a cornerstone of UHC. Nurses trained in critical care and other advanced fields are instrumental in managing complex health conditions, reducing patient mortality, and improving overall health outcomes.
Kenya’s healthcare sector, with an estimated eight nurses per 10,000 population, falls significantly short of the global average of 28 nurses per 10,000 people. This shortage not only hampers service delivery but also places an immense burden on existing healthcare workers.
By producing highly trained professionals, the Cicely McDonell College is helping to bridge this gap. Additionally, partnerships with institutions like the AG German Institute ensure Kenyan nurses are competitive on a global scale while addressing local healthcare needs.
A Milestone for Kenya’s Healthcare
The graduation ceremony was not just a celebration of individual achievement but a milestone for Kenya’s healthcare sector. The addition of 124 nurses specializing in critical areas marks a significant stride toward improving the nurse-to-patient ratio and achieving UHC.
As these nurses step into the workforce, they bring hope and expertise to a system in dire need of skilled professionals. Their contribution is expected to enhance service delivery, reduce healthcare disparities, and set a strong foundation for the future of healthcare in Kenya.
