Nursing professionals have been encouraged to pursue further studies to enhance their skills and improve healthcare delivery in the country.
Speaking during a nurses’ celebration event at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), leaders in the health sector emphasized the need for continuous professional development and recognition of nurses for their critical role in patient care.
KUTRRH Director of Nursing Services, Dr Pamleila Nkirote, challenged the hospital’s 800 nurses to enroll in higher training programmes, revealing that only 23 percent have so far taken up further studies.
She noted that the institution provides an opportunity for at least 30 percent of nurses to advance their training annually, leaving a seven percent gap yet to be filled.
“Nurses must take advantage of the available opportunities for further education in order to improve their competencies and remain effective in the evolving healthcare sector,” she said.
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KUTRRH Chief Executive Officer Dr Zeinab Gura, whose speech was delivered by acting CEO Dr Anthony Kamau, said the hospital management remains committed to creating an environment that enables nurses to thrive both professionally and personally.
“We recognize that nurses are the heartbeat of every hospital. They are caregivers, educators, advocates, counsellors and leaders who work tirelessly to ensure patients receive safe, dignified and compassionate care every day,” she said.
Dr Gura added that quality patient care can only be achieved when healthcare workers are adequately supported, reaffirming the hospital’s commitment to strengthening staff welfare and professional growth.
She said the Level Six hospital has continued to invest in training opportunities, mentorship programmes, coaching initiatives and emotional support systems aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of nurses.
The CEO further noted that the facility has improved access to clinical tools, equipment and other essential resources required for efficient service delivery across departments.
“These improvements have enabled our nurses to provide responsive patient care while adapting to the increasing demands of specialised healthcare services,” she said.
As part of efforts to improve accountability and operational efficiency, Dr Gura said the hospital is scaling up digitization and strengthening systems that promote transparency, continuous learning, communication and quality improvement within nursing services.
She also cited ongoing efforts to address staffing challenges and workload pressures, including improved staffing levels and the introduction of internal locum programmes for nurses to enhance continuity of care and strengthen nurse-patient ratios in critical areas.
The chief guest, Dr Kawira Gitonga of Chuka University, echoed the call for greater support and recognition of nurses and midwives.
Referring to the theme of the event, “Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” Dr Gitonga said nurses and midwives are often the first point of contact for patients and therefore deserve appreciation and better remuneration.
“Empowerment of nurses goes beyond providing tools. It is about creating an enabling environment where nurses can thrive. It is also about education and competency,” she said.
By John Kamau
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