The disparity in nurses’ salaries and allowances in Kenya based on job groups has become an unsettling concern. As these tireless healthcare heroes navigate through their demanding roles, the financial rewards often fall short of their unwavering commitment. The disheartening truth is that many nurses find themselves struggling to make ends meet.
Today, we aim to discuss nurses’ salaries and allowances in Kenya. If you’re an aspiring nurse, or just curious to know how much nurses earn in Kenya, keep reading to find out.
Nursing Categories in Kenya
The scheme of service for Kenyan nurses provides three nursing categories. Each category has various grades, with eight for nursing officers, seven for registered nurses, and five for enrolled nurses.
The categories also have different designations and job groups, which are based on experience, education, and qualifications. Here are the nursing categories:
Enrolled Nurses (ENs)
Enrolled Nurses in Kenya have completed a diploma program in nursing and are licensed to provide basic nursing care.
They work under the supervision of Registered Nurses and are responsible for tasks like taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with patient care.
Find Out: List Of Gynaecologists In Kenya
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Registered Nurses in Kenya are highly trained professionals who have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a diploma in nursing from a recognized institution.
They are responsible for providing comprehensive nursing care, including assessing patients, administering medications, and developing care plans.
Registered Nurses often work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
Find Out: The 9 Best Pregnancy Apps For Couples
Nursing Officers
Nursing Officers are typically senior nurses with extensive experience and may hold leadership positions within healthcare facilities.
They oversee nursing staff, manage nursing units, and ensure the quality of patient care. Nursing Officers also play a crucial role in policy development, training, and quality improvement initiatives.
Enrolled Nurses Salaries
Here are the enrolled nurses’ salaries from the lowest to the highest:
| Designation | Job Group | Salary Scale (Ksh) |
| Enrolled nurse III | G | 23,369 – 29,826 |
| Enrolled nurse II | H | 27,052 – 34,527 |
| Enrolled nurse I | J | 32,061 – 38,893 |
| Senior enrolled nurse II | K | 40,326 – 54,067 |
| Senior enrolled nurse I | L | 46,683 – 59,644 |
Registered Nurses
Here are the registered nurses’ salaries from the lowest to the highest level:
| Designation | Job Group | Salary scale (Ksh) |
| Registered nurse III | H | 39,450 – 44,730 |
| Registered nurse II | J | 42, 850 – 47,630 |
| Registered nurse I | K | 45,425 – 50,125 |
| Senior registered nurse | L | 50,315 – 54,100 |
| Chief registered nurse | M | 54,217 – 58,430 |
| Principal registered nurse | N | 58,415 – 63,415 |
| Senior principal reg. nurse | P | 85,110 – 119.730 |
Nursing Officers Salaries
Here are the nursing officer salaries from the lowest level to the highest:
| Designation | Job Group | Salary scale (Ksh) |
| Nursing officer intern | H | 46,580 – 65,430 |
| Senior nursing officer | L | 50,640 – 69,790 |
| Chief nursing officer | M | 54,067 – 76,580 |
| Principal nursing officer | N | 62,247 – 84,877 |
| Asst. director nursing services | P | 96,909 – 129,868 |
| Senior asst. Director nursing services | Q | 112,185 – 129,868 |
| Deputy director, nursing services | R | 129,050 – 136,825 |
| director, nursing services | S | 136,915 – 144,220 |
Nursing Allowances in Kenya
Besides the basic salaries, nurses in Kenya get different allowances, which include extraneous, health risk, commuter, call, house, and non-practicing.
Here are the nursing allowances for various job groups:
| Job Group | House | Health risk | Extraneous | Non-practicing | Commuter | Call |
| G | 3,500 | 5,000 | 20,000 | 6,000 | 15,000 | 5,000 |
| H | 3,500 | 5,000 | 20,000 | 6,000 | 15,000 | 5,000 |
| J | 3,500 | 5,000 | 20,000 | 6,000 | 15,000 | 5,000 |
| K | 4,000 | 5,000 | 25,000 | 8,000 | 16,500 | 6,000 |
| L | 4,000 | 5,000 | 25,000 | 10,000 | 16,500 | 6,000 |
| M | 6,000 | 5,000 | 25,000 | 12,000 | 16,500 | 6,000 |
| N | 6,000 | 5,000 | 30,000 | 14,000 | 18,000 | 7,000 |
| P | 8,000 | 5,000 | 30,000 | 16,000 | 20,000 | 7,000 |
| Q | 10,000 | 5,000 | 35,000 | 18,000 | 23,500 | 10,000 |
| R | 12,000 | 5,000 | 35,000 | 20,000 | 23,500 | 12,000 |
| S | 15,000 | 5,000 | 35,000 | 20,000 | 25,000 | 12,000 |
Role of Nurses in Kenya
Kenyan nurses play different roles that benefit the health sector and beyond. The roles include:
- Patient Care: Nurses are responsible for providing direct patient care, including assessing patients’ health status, administering medications, and carrying out treatments prescribed by doctors.
- Health Promotion and Education: Nurses educate patients and their families about health and wellness, preventive care, and managing chronic illnesses. They also play a crucial role in community health programs, helping to raise awareness about important health issues.
- Collaborative Healthcare Team: Nurses work closely with physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care for patients. They communicate patient information and collaborate on treatment plans.
- Wound Care and Dressings: Nurses specialize in wound care and are skilled in assessing, cleaning, and dressing wounds to promote healing and prevent infections.
- Palliative Care: Some nurses in Kenya work in palliative care, providing comfort and support to patients with terminal illnesses and their families.
- Advocacy: Nurses advocate for their patients’ rights and ensure they receive the care and services they need. They also serve as intermediaries between patients and healthcare institutions.
- Public Health: Nurses are involved in public health programs, including immunization campaigns, health screenings, and disease prevention efforts. They also help communities understand and manage health-related issues.
- Research and Quality Improvement: Some nurses research to advance healthcare knowledge and improve patient care. They also participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance healthcare services.
Nursing Specialities in Kenya
The nursing profession in Kenya has various specialities which are based on key responsibilities as follows:
- Pediatric Nursing: Pediatric nurses care for infants, children, and adolescents. They work in pediatric hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings that cater to younger patients.
- Critical Care Nursing: Critical care nurses are trained to work in intensive care units (ICUs) and care for critically ill patients. They monitor vital signs, administer medication, and respond to emergencies.
- Maternity and Obstetric Nursing: Maternity and obstetric nurses work with pregnant women, providing prenatal care, assisting during childbirth, and offering postpartum care. They may also specialize in neonatal nursing, caring for newborns.
- Mental Health Nursing: Mental health nurses work with patients suffering from mental illnesses or emotional disorders. They provide counseling, administer medication, and support patients on their journey to recovery.
- Community Health Nursing: Community health nurses focus on promoting health and providing care within communities. They may work in public health programs, offering vaccinations, health education, and preventive care.
- Oncology Nursing: Oncology nurses specialize in caring for cancer patients. They provide emotional support, administer chemotherapy, and help manage the side effects of cancer treatment.
- Surgical Nursing: Surgical nurses work closely with surgical teams in operating rooms. They assist in surgeries, prepare patients for procedures, and provide post-operative care.
