By Samantha Linda
To strengthen professional development and open global career pathways for nurses, the Kenyan Nurse Consultants Limited (KNCL) has launched a strategic partnership with the Kenya Progressive Nurses Association (KPNA).
The meeting, held in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, brought together stakeholders from KNCL, KPNA, and the British Council. The initiative seeks to bridge gaps in training, mentorship, and global opportunities, ensuring Kenyan nurses can thrive both locally and abroad.
The consultancy exists to empower nurses through comprehensive training and career support. With branches across the country, KNCL helps nurses prepare for international careers by providing National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam coaching, short clinical training in life-saving skills, and study abroad referrals.
Speaking on behalf of the British Council, Stephanie Wange stressed the importance of English language proficiency for Kenyan nurses seeking to work abroad. Countries such as the UK, US, Canada, and Australia require international English exams before licensing foreign-trained nurses.
Wange said the partnership will ease access to these exams through discounts and improved logistics, helping more nurses overcome financial and geographical barriers. This solution addresses one of the most common obstacles for nurses aiming to pursue opportunities outside Kenya.
Michael Ngesa, President of KPNA, welcomed the collaboration, noting that KPNA has long championed professionalism, continuous medical education, and mentorship for nurses. By working with KNCL, the association hopes to make professional growth more affordable and accessible, especially in rural counties where opportunities are limited.
“Empowering nurses is an investment in Kenya’s healthcare system,” Ngesa said, adding that better-trained nurses translate to improved patient outcomes nationwide.
He reiterated the importance of making training programs affordable and inclusive, ensuring no nurse is left behind.
Edwin Simiyu, CEO of KNCL, expanded the company’s mission to provide nurses with tools for both local and international careers. He pointed out that the establishment of an NCLEX exam center in Nairobi has already reduced barriers for Kenyan nurses who previously had to travel abroad for testing.
Simiyu emphasized that the partnership with KPNA will also protect nurses from exploitation by unscrupulous agents, offering them a trusted and structured pathway from training to job placement.
He noted that decentralized training, short courses such as Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and diaspora support programs will provide nurses with skills, mentorship, and long-term career guidance.
The CEO of KNCL added that the partnership is not only about helping nurses secure opportunities abroad but also about strengthening Kenya’s own healthcare system by equipping professionals with world-class skills.
Stakeholders committed to implementing the outlined goals, including mentorship sessions, clinical training, and global job placement support.
This partnership demonstrates how collaboration between professional associations, private consultancies, and international organizations can offer solutions to both global and local healthcare challenges. By preparing nurses for international roles while supporting their growth at home, KNCL, KPNA, and the British Council are creating a system that empowers professionals, protects them from exploitation, and strengthens Kenya’s health sector.
