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Nursing in Kenya has two main training routes — KMTC diploma and university degree. Here is the complete guide to joining either.
Two Nursing Training Routes in Kenya
Route 1 — KMTC Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN): 3-year diploma at Kenya Medical Training College. Graduates register with the Nursing Council of Kenya as diploma-level nurses (KRCHN). Most widely accessible route — 25 KMTC campuses across Kenya. Entry: KCSE C plain with C in Biology and C in English or Kiswahili. Route 2 — University Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4-year degree at a university (MKU, Kabarak, JKUAT, Maseno, Moi, Egerton, and others). Graduates register with NCK at degree level. Higher scope of practice, management opportunities, and international practice recognition. Entry: KCSE B+ for government-sponsored university placement. Both routes lead to NCK registration but at different levels with different scopes and career ceilings.
Joining KMTC for Nursing
KMTC nursing (KRCHN) application: apply online through the KMTC portal (kmtc.ac.ke) during the annual application window (typically March–May). Entry: KCSE C with C in Biology and C in English or Kiswahili. List KRCHN as your programme preference and your campus preference (up to 3 of each). Submit your application with certified copies of KCSE certificate, national ID, and birth certificate, plus the application fee. Shortlisted applicants undergo a medical examination before final admission. Intake is annually in September.
Joining University for BSN
BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) application at universities: apply through KUCCPS during the annual window for government-sponsored university placement (entry: B+ KCSE with Biology and Chemistry). For self-sponsored university BSN, apply directly to institutions like MKU, Kabarak, or others offering BSN programmes throughout the year. Self-sponsored BSN entry is typically KCSE B for most universities offering this route. Confirm the current entry requirements at your target university as these are updated.
NCK Registration
After completing either the KRCHN diploma or BSN degree: register with the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK). Requirements: nursing qualification certificate, transcripts, national ID, medical fitness certificate, good conduct certificate, and NCK registration fee. NCK registration gives you a practice number required for employment in any nursing role in Kenya. Registration must be renewed annually. Without an active NCK registration, you cannot legally practice nursing in Kenya.
Nursing Career Paths in Kenya
Registered nurses in Kenya work in: public health facilities (county and national government hospitals, health centres, dispensaries), private hospitals (Aga Khan, Nairobi Hospital, Karen Hospital, Mater, MP Shah, mission hospitals), NGO health programs, and international deployment (Middle East, UK, Canada, Australia — particularly for BSN nurses with English language proficiency). BSN nurses access nurse management (ward-in-charge, nursing officer, nurse manager) and specialist nursing roles. KRCHN nurses are primarily in community health, primary care, and general ward nursing roles. Starting salary in public sector: KSh 25,000–45,000/month. Private hospital and international deployment: significantly higher.
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