Becoming a registered nurse in Kenya requires meeting the standards set by the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK).
Every nurse must complete an accredited nursing programme, pass the licensure examination, satisfy internship requirements, and obtain registration before practising legally.
This guide explains how to become a registered nurse in Kenya, whether you trained locally or outside the country.
How to Become a Registered Nurse in Kenya After Local Training
If you completed your nursing education in Kenya, follow these steps to become a registered nurse.
1. Complete an NCK-Accredited Nursing Programme
You must complete a nursing course approved by the Nursing Council of Kenya. Before enrolling, confirm that your institution and programme are accredited by the NCK.
2. Pass the NCK Licensure Examination
After completing your studies, you must sit and pass the NCK licensure examination.
For diploma and certificate students, the examination is usually taken after completing the Final Qualifying Examination (FQE).
Degree students may complete their internship before or after sitting the licensure examination, depending on the programme. Candidates who fail the examination are allowed up to four resits.
3. Complete the Required Internship
Internship requirements depend on your qualification.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) graduates must complete a one-year internship, either sponsored by the Ministry of Health or self-sponsored.
For nurses upgrading from certificate or diploma qualifications:
- Kenya Registered Community Health Nurses (KRCHN) may qualify for direct registration without another internship.
- Registered Nurses (RN) upgrading to a degree must complete a 27-week self-sponsored internship in midwifery and community health nursing.
4. Apply for Registration and Practising Licence
After completing all academic, examination and internship requirements, apply for registration through the Nursing Council of Kenya.
Applicants are required to:
- Present their licensure examination results
- Pay the prescribed licensing fee
- Submit the required documents
Successful applicants receive their practising licence immediately, while the Certificate of Registration is normally ready within two weeks and must be collected in person.
How to Register as a Nurse Trained Outside Kenya
Nurses who qualified outside Kenya can also become registered after meeting NCK requirements.
1. Submit a Trained Outside Kenya (TOK) Application
Applicants must first notify the Nursing Council of Kenya of their intention to register.
The council verifies:
- Entry qualifications for the nursing programme
- Completion of the nursing or midwifery course
- Registration and licensing in the country of training
2. Pass the NCK Licensure Examination
Once qualifications are verified, applicants are allowed to sit for the NCK licensure examination.
Passing the examination is mandatory before proceeding to the next stage.
3. Complete Clinical Orientation
Foreign-trained nurses must undergo a clinical orientation programme lasting between 12 and 24 weeks to familiarize themselves with Kenya's healthcare system and nursing procedures.
4. Apply for Registration
After completing clinical orientation, applicants can apply for registration and licensing.
Successful applicants receive their practising licence after approval, while the Certificate of Registration is issued within approximately two weeks.
Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) Contacts
Head Office: NCK Plaza, Kabarnet Road, Off Ngong Road, Nairobi
Phone: +254 20 7854665/9, +254 721 920567, +254 733 924669
Email: info@nckenya.org
