How To Register As A Nurse In Kenya

The Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) is the sole professional regulatory body overseeing nurses and midwives in Kenya. Established to ensure safe, high-quality nursing and midwifery care, the NCK sets standards for education and practice. To practice legally in Kenya, all nurses must be registered and licensed by the NCK, which involves passing a national licensure exam and submitting an online application. Successful applicants receive a registration certificate within four weeks and a license within 72 hours. This guide outlines the registration process for nurses trained in Kenya and those trained abroad, offering a clear, step-by-step approach to achieving licensure.

Registration Requirements for Nurses Trained in Kenya

Nurses trained locally must meet specific criteria to become registered. The process includes completing an accredited program, passing the NCK licensure exam, fulfilling internship requirements, and applying for licensure. Below are the details:

Complete an NCK-Accredited Program: Enroll in a nursing course approved by the NCK, ensuring it meets rigorous quality standards. Check the NCK’s public list of accredited programs before applying.
Pass the NCK Licensure Exam: After completing your course, sit for the NCK licensure exam. Diploma and certificate students (e.g., KMTC graduates) typically take the exam after final qualifying exams, while degree students have flexibility in timing.
Fulfill Internship Requirements:
- Basic Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN): Complete a one-year internship, sponsored by the Ministry of Health or self-funded.
- Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse (KRCHN) Upgrading to BScN: Apply directly for registration without an internship.
- Registered Nurse/Midwife (RN/M) Upgrading to BScN: Complete a 15-week self-sponsored internship in community health nursing.
- Registered Nurse (RN) Upgrading to BScN: Complete a 27-week self-sponsored internship in midwifery and community health nursing.
Required Documents: Submit result slips, complete an online application, and pay registration and licensing fees.

Registration Requirements for Nurses Trained Outside Kenya (TOK)

Nurses trained abroad can register with the NCK by demonstrating competency aligned with Kenyan standards. The process includes verification of qualifications, an exam, clinical orientation, and an interview. Here’s a breakdown:

Submit a TOK Application: Notify the NCK of your intent to register, providing documentation to verify:
- You met the entry criteria for your foreign nursing program.
- You completed the nursing or midwifery program.
- You were registered and licensed in the country of training (original license and certificate required).
Pass the NCK Licensure Exam: After verification, sit for the NCK licensure exam to prove your knowledge meets Kenyan standards.
Complete 24 Weeks of Clinical Orientation: Undergo a 24-week clinical placement to familiarize yourself with Kenyan healthcare practices, equivalent to an internship.
Attend an Oral Interview: The NCK’s registration and licensing committee may invite you for an oral interview. Based on the outcome, you may need to take a written exam or proceed to final clinical placement.
Apply for Registration: Upon successful completion, apply for registration and pay the licensing fee (Ksh 2,000 for Kenyans, $50 for non-Kenyans).

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Follow these steps to apply for registration and licensure through the NCK’s online portal:

Visit the NCK website at www.nckenya.com.
Access the online service portal and log in or create an account.
Select your category (student or practitioner).
Enter your ID number, email, and registration or index number (for students).
Fill in your personal details accurately and save.
Navigate to the “Registration and Licensing” tab.
Click “Application for Practice License.”
Complete the required fields, upload academic and professional documents, and proceed.
Select your preferred examination center and make the payment as indicated.
Enter the transaction number provided after payment.
Submit your application and print the application notification.

You’ll be notified via email within approximately 30 days when your license is ready for collection. You must visit the NCK offices in person to collect your registration certificate, bringing proof of identification.