Kenya unveils new plan to tap skills and expertise of nurses abroad
The government is moving to establish a structured partnership with Kenyan nurses and healthcare professionals in the diaspora, with a focus on tapping their skills, expertise and global networks to strengthen the country’s health sector. The plan was announced at the opening of the Kenyan Nurses Association of America (KNAA) 2026 Annual Nursing Conference in […]
The Kenyan government is forming a structured partnership with Kenyan nurses and healthcare professionals living abroad to leverage their skills and expertise. This initiative aims to enhance the nation's health sector by utilizing the global networks and knowledge these professionals possess. The announcement was made at the Kenya Nurses Association of America's (KNAA) 2026 Annual Nursing Conference held in Maryland, USA, from September 17 to 19, 2026.
Irene Karari, Director of the Skills and Expertise Division at the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, spoke on behalf of Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu. Karari emphasized that Kenyan professionals overseas are valuable partners in national development, citing their exceptional professionalism, resilience, dedication, and compassion in providing healthcare in challenging environments.
The government is working towards a structured framework with KNAA to transition from dialogue to sustainable collaboration. This framework will outline cooperation areas, expected outcomes, responsibilities, and progress monitoring mechanisms. Key focus areas include mentorship, capacity building, skills transfer, research, professional development, and healthcare partnerships.
Kenya faces staffing shortages in the healthcare sector, with nurses making up nearly 70% of the country's healthcare workforce. Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni highlighted that nurses are often the first point of contact for patients, regardless of whether they reside in urban or rural areas. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale acknowledged the challenging conditions many nurses face, including understaffed facilities, heavy workloads, and significant emotional demands.
The government's engagement with overseas nurses also aims to promote safe and ethical labor mobility, ensuring proper recruitment processes, recognition of qualifications, decent working conditions, and protection for Kenyan healthcare workers. KNAA Founder and President Dr Jelliah Akombe welcomed the government's involvement, noting that the conference provided a platform for Kenyan nurses abroad to contribute their expertise while enhancing professional development, research, and healthcare collaboration between Kenya and the diaspora.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
