While there are very few jobs in Kenya, it is safe to acknowledge that nurses have a better employment life than most civil servants. With a starting salary of around KES70,000, nurses progress well in their employment to a salary of over one hundred thousand shillings per month. If you are looking forward to joining the nursing degree programme at university, this article will take you through every detail you need. You will learn about the course minimum requirements and what you will learn in Nursing school.
What is the meaning of a nurse?
According to the dictionary, a nurse is one who nourishes; a person who supplies food, tends or brings up; as: (a) A woman who has the care of young children; especially, one who suckles an infant not her own. (b) A person, especially a woman, who has the care for the sick or infirm.
A nursing degree will involve part (b) of the definition of the above. Nurses spend around four years on campus, studying patient care and management. Nurses are among the most crucial healthcare providers in hospitals. They work side-by-side with doctors and no operations can run in a health facility without the presence of nurses.
What do you require to get accepted for a nursing degree programme in Kenya?
For you to be admitted into an accredited university for the nursing degree programme, you will have to have aced your form four exams. Back in the past, between 2016-2018, a grade of B or B+ would easily have gotten you into nursing school. However, with the recent spike in good performance among form four leavers, you will need at least an A- for you to have a fighting chance amongst the many applicants of this programme. Truth be told, the nursing degree requirements are relative to the KCSE performance in a certain year. Therefore, before applying, assess the likelihood of being accepted into any institution in Kenya.
With that said, let’s look at the general minimum nursing requirements you need to join a nursing degree in any accredited university in Kenya.
| Mean Grade | C+ |
| Mathematics or Physics | C+ |
| English or Kiswahili | C+ |
| Biology | C+ |
| Chemistry | C+ |
If, however, you are looking to upgrade from a diploma in your respective institution to pursue the degree programme, then you must have:
- Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing Diploma from a recognized institution
- Current registration with the Nursing Council
- Mean grade of C (plain) at KCSE with at least a grade of C+ (plus) in English, Biology/Biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics or physics OR 2 principal passes in biology and chemistry and subsidiary passes either in physics or mathematics
- Working experience of at least 2 years
- A letter of recommendation from your supervisors
Important notes;
Before going ahead to apply for the course, you should know that there are official rules and unofficial rules. Official rules are usually published and posted on public domains such as KUCCPS. Unofficial rules, however, despite not being published anywhere, are as important as official ones. One good rule you should take note of is that a C+ will almost never get you into nursing school. The course is usually very competitive and you will be competing with everyone in the county. Generally, students with grades between A and B+ are usually accepted for the programme easily. The rest of the students have to seek self-sponsorship or use other channels, such as intra-institutional transfers to be accepted into nursing school. Study your grades and make the right decision. Involve your high school teachers as they are more exposed.
Also, read Top 10 Most Marketable Courses in Kenya 2023
Which universities offer a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) programme?
There are 33 universities that offer this programme. KUCCPS selection supports all the universities listed below.
| Institution | 2021 Cut-off points |
| Maseno University | 41.59 |
| Kirinyaga University | 38.608 |
| Masinde Muliro University of Science & Tech | 41.112 |
| University of Embu | 39.293 |
| Chuka University | 40.183 |
| University of Kabianga | 40.114 |
| South Eastern Kenya University | 38.18 |
| Meru University of Science & Technology | 39.676 |
| Murang’a University | 36.484 |
| Moi University | 41.261 |
| University of Nairobi | 42.922 |
| UMMA University | 38.173 |
| Mama Ngina University College – KU | 36.957 |
| Egerton University | 40.995 |
| Kabarak University | 41.497 |
| Kenya Methodist University | 40.353 |
| Kisii University | 40.424 |
| St Pauls University | 38.486 |
| Kibabii University | 38.696 |
| Uzima University | 38.377 |
| Daystar University | 39.332 |
| Maasai Mara University | 38.825 |
| University of Eastern Africa, Baraton | 39.069 |
| Great Lakes University of Kisumu | 37.392 |
| Presbyterian University of East Africa | 38.227 |
| Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology | 42.368 |
| Mount Kenya University | 42.026 |
| Kaimosi University | 37.808 |
| Catholic University of East Africa | 40.479 |
| Dedan Kimathi University of Technology | 40.241 |
| Karatina University | 38.804 |
| Kenyatta University | 42.67 |
| Pwani University | 39.424 |
Where do nurses work after graduating from university?
After completing their 4-years course, nurses are employed by either private or public hospitals. Here, they work next to doctors in providing healthcare to the sick. Nurses can also choose to study and apply to work abroad, mainly in the UK where monthly salaries are way better than in Kenya. We will cover how to apply for a nursing job in a subsequent article, so make sure to subscribe to our email newsletter and we will send you the information straight to your inbox.
Nurses may also choose to specialize by going for masters in their respective fields. The course period takes 2 years two semesters each.
Minimum nursing requirements include:
- Bachelor of science in nursing degree from Mount Kenya University or any other recognized university.
- Must have been practising for at least TWO years post-BScN training.
- Must possess a valid practising license from the nursing council of Kenya.
Find more information here.
What are some of the challenges a nurse faces at work?
Nurses, despite being in noble professions, still have their own share of trouble at the workplace. They include;
- Delayed salaries by the National government
- Lack of employment especially when the country is faced with an economic crisis
- Long and tiresome working hours due to the low number of working nurses and very many patients.
- Patients may be difficult to deal with, some may not be willing to take instructions.
- At times, a patient may die under the nurses’ watch and they may feel responsible even if there was no possible treatment for the patient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a degree in Bachelor of Science (Nursing) in Kenya is among the best careers you can decide to take for your future. All you need is the zeal to study and take care of patients. The rest will take care of itself.
I have like the course.🤝