What Are the Types of Nursing Course in Kenya?
There are 6 main types of nursing courses in Kenya: Certificate in Enrolled Community Health Nursing: 2.5 years; Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN): 3 years; BSc. in Nursing (Degree): 4 years; Higher Diploma / Post-Basic Nursing: 18 months to 2 years for registered nurses specialising in ICU, midwifery, psychiatry, or critical care; Short Courses and Continuing Professional Development (CPD): 3 - 6 months and Postgraduate Nursing - MSc and Above: 2 Years.
Nursing in Kenya is not one course - it is a structured family of programmes, each designed for a different entry point, career level, and specialisation.
Knowing the exact types of nursing courses available, what each requires, how long each takes, and what it leads to is the first step toward making the right choice.
Kenya's Nursing Council (NCK) has approved 145 training institutions to offer nursing and midwifery programmes at certificate, diploma, degree, and post-basic specialisation levels.
Each level has distinct KCSE entry requirements, duration, fees, and career outcomes - and they build on each other in a clear progression ladder.
This guide maps every type of nursing course available in Kenya: what it is, who it is for, what you need to qualify, how much it costs, and what your career looks like at the end.
6 Types of Nursing Courses and Requirements/Qualifications
Here is the complete map of all nursing course types in Kenya, from the entry-level certificate to postgraduate specialisation:
| Course Type | Full Name / Qualification | Duration | Min. KCSE / Requirement | NCK Cadre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Certificate in Enrolled Community Health Nursing | 2.5–3 Years | C- (Minus) | ECHN |
| Diploma | Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN) | 3 Years | C Plain | KRCHN |
| Degree | BSc in Nursing (Basic or Upgrading) | 4 Years (Basic) / 2 Years (Upgrade) | C+ (Plus) | BScN |
| Higher Diploma | Post-Basic / Higher Diploma in Specialised Nursing | 18 Months – 2 Years | Diploma/Degree + NCK + 1 yr exp. | Specialist |
| Short Courses / CPD | Continuing Professional Development / Short Nursing Courses | 3–6 Months | Varies by course | CPD Points |
| Postgraduate | MSc Nursing / Master of Science in Nursing Education or Leadership | 2 Years | BSc Nursing + NCK + 2 yrs exp. | MSc |
Type 1: Certificate in Enrolled Community Health Nursing
The Certificate in Enrolled Community Health Nursing is an entry-level nursing qualification in Kenya. It trains students to become Enrolled Community Health Nurses (ECHNs) - a cadre that provides basic nursing care, health education, and community health services under the supervision of registered nurses.
This is Kenya's most accessible nursing entry point, open to students with KCSE C- and above. It is primarily offered at KMTC campuses. As of current NCK guidance, no private institutions are accredited to offer the certificate-level nursing programme - only approved public institutions such as KMTC and designated hospital-based schools.
Certificate in Nursing - Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Certificate in Enrolled Community Health Nursing |
| NCK Cadre | Enrolled Community Health Nurse (ECHN) |
| Duration | 2.5 to 3 years (including clinical attachment) |
| Min. KCSE Mean Grade | C- (Minus) |
| Subject Requirements | C- in English or Kiswahili and Biology/Biological Sciences; D+ in any of Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics |
| Examining Body | Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) Licensure Examination |
| Where Offered | KMTC campuses (Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and others) | Selected NCK-approved hospital schools |
| Approximate Annual Fees | KES 83,700/yr at KMTC (first year) | Private institutions: vary by school |
| After Graduation | Sit NCK licensure exam → Register as ECHN → Work in dispensaries, health centres, community programmes |
| Progression | Can upgrade to Diploma in KRCHN after 2 years of post-registration experience |
Type 2: Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN)
The Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN) is the most widely pursued nursing qualification in Kenya. It is a three-year, competency-based programme that trains students to become fully registered nurses capable of providing comprehensive nursing care in clinical, community, and midwifery settings.
KRCHN graduates are registered with the NCK as Kenya Registered Community Health Nurses and are licensed to work independently in hospitals, clinics, community health settings, and internationally after completing relevant bridging requirements.
Diploma in KRCHN - Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN) |
| NCK Cadre | Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse (KRCHN) |
| Duration | 3 Years (9 trimesters) – including supervised clinical placements |
| Min. KCSE Mean Grade | C Plain (C) |
| Subject Requirements | C plain in English or Kiswahili and Biology/Biological Sciences; C- in Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics |
| Examining Body | KNEC | NCK Licensure Examination |
| Approximate Annual Fees | Public (KMTC): KES 83,700/yr | Private (ICMHS and others): KES 90,000 – 160,000/yr |
| After Graduation | Sit NCK licensure exam → Complete internship → Register as KRCHN → Obtain annual practising licence |
| Where Offered at ICMHS | Thika Campus | Nakuru Campus | 4 annual intakes: January, March, May, September |
| Progression | KRCHN diploma → BSc Nursing upgrading (2 yrs exp. + NCK licence) → Higher Diploma specialisation |
What You Study in KRCHN Diploma?
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Medical-Surgical Nursing: Patient assessment, wound care, medication administration, and post-operative care
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Maternal and Child Health Nursing: Antenatal care, delivery, postnatal care, newborn care, and immunisation
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Community Health Nursing: Disease prevention, health education, home visits, and outreach programmes
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Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing: Assessment and care for patients with mental health conditions
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Pharmacology: Drug actions, dosage calculation, drug administration, and patient safety
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Paediatric Nursing: Care for infants, children, and adolescents in clinical and community settings
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Emergency and Trauma Nursing: First response, resuscitation, and stabilisation of critically ill patients
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Supervised Clinical Placements: Rotations in medical wards, maternity, paediatrics, community health, and ICU settings
Type 3: BSc in Nursing - Degree Level
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) is a four-year university degree that qualifies graduates as Registered Graduate Nurses with broad clinical, research, and leadership competencies.
The BSc is offered in two pathways in Kenya: direct entry for form four leavers meeting KCSE C+ minimum, and an upgrading route for KRCHN diploma holders with NCK registration and two years of post-registration experience.
B.Sc. Nursing - Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) |
| NCK Cadre | Registered Graduate Nurse (BScN) |
| Duration | 4 years (direct entry) | 2 years (upgrading from KRCHN) |
| KCSE - Direct Entry | C+ (Plus) mean grade with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, English/Kiswahili, and Physics or Mathematics |
| KCSE - Upgrading | KRCHN diploma with credit/distinction + NCK registration + valid practising licence + 2 years post-registration experience |
| Annual Fees | Public universities: KES 100,000 – 180,000/yr | Private (e.g. MKU): approx. KES 83,500/semester (KES 1,002,000 total) |
| Internship Required | Yes – 1 year internship (MOH or self-sponsored) before NCK registration for basic BScN graduates |
| Approved Universities | Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, Maseno University, KeMU, Aga Khan University, AMIU, Moi University |
Type 4: Higher Diploma in Specialised Nursing (Post-Basic)
Higher Diploma nursing programmes - also called post-basic diplomas - are advanced, specialist qualifications for nurses who have already completed a basic diploma or degree and hold active NCK registration.
They are offered by hospitals and specialist nursing schools, not standard colleges, and require at least one year of post-registration clinical experience.
These programmes transform a general nurse into a clinical specialist - enabling them to work in high-acuity, high-demand nursing environments. Each specialisation has its own NCK-registered cadre title and carries significant salary and career advancement benefits.
Specialisations Available in Kenya
| Specialisation / Cadre | Duration | Entry Requirement | Where Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya Registered Critical Care Nursing (KRCCN) | 18 Months | KRCHN/BScN + NCK + 1 yr exp. | KNH, KUTRRH, Aga Khan University, MTRH |
| Kenya Registered Midwifery (KRM) | 18 Months | KRCHN + NCK + 1 yr exp. | KMTC, KNH, selected hospitals |
| Kenya Registered Nurse - Mental Health & Psychiatry (KRNMHP) | 18 Months | KRCHN/KRN + NCK + 1 yr exp. | Mathare Hospital, MTRH |
| Kenya Registered Perioperative Nursing (KRPON) | 18 Months | KRCHN/BScN + NCK + 1 yr exp. | KNH, Nairobi Hospital, selected facilities |
| Kenya Registered Nephrology Nursing | 18 Months | KRCHN/BScN + NCK + 1 yr exp. | MTRH, KNH, Aga Khan |
| Kenya Registered Oncology Nursing | 18 Months | KRCHN/BScN + NCK + 1 yr exp. | KNH, KUTRRH |
| Kenya Registered Nurse Anaesthetist (KRNA) | 18 Months | Diploma/BSc Nursing + NCK + 2 yrs exp. | Kijabe College of Health Sciences, KMTC |
Fees: Higher diploma nursing programmes typically cost KES 180,000 – 350,000 for the full 18-month programme, depending on the institution. KNH school of nursing charges an NCK indexing fee of KES 23,400 in addition to tuition. Always confirm current fees directly with the training institution.
Type 5: Short Nursing Courses and CPD Programmes
Short nursing courses and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes are non-degree qualifications lasting 3–6 months. They serve two main purposes: giving non-registered individuals basic healthcare skills, and allowing registered nurses to earn CPD points for annual NCK licence renewal.
Common Short Nursing Courses in Kenya
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Basic Nursing Aide / Healthcare Support: 3–6 months; trains support workers for home-based care, elderly care, and hospital support roles
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First Aid and Emergency Response: 1–3 months; basic life support, AED use, wound management
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Infection Prevention and Control (IPC): 1–3 months; standard precautions, PPE, sterile technique
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HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT): 2–4 weeks; for nurses working in HIV prevention and treatment programmes
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Maternal and Newborn Care: 3 months; focused upskilling for nurses in maternity settings
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Wound Care and Dressing Management: 1–2 months; advanced wound assessment and dressing techniques
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Palliative Care Nursing: 3 months; care for terminally ill patients and their families
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Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) for Nurses: 1–2 months; workplace safety in healthcare environments.
CPD Requirement: All registered nurses in Kenya must earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points to renew their annual NCK practising licence. Short courses, workshops, and seminars accredited by NCK all count toward the required CPD hours.
Type 6: Postgraduate Nursing - MSc and Above
Postgraduate nursing programmes in Kenya are for BScN degree holders who want to advance into nursing leadership, education, research, or advanced clinical practice.
These are offered by universities with approved postgraduate nursing faculties.
| Programme | Duration | Entry Requirement | Career Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc in Nursing | 2 Years | BScN + NCK licence + 2 yrs exp. | Nurse educator, researcher, senior clinical specialist |
| MSc in Nursing Education | 2 Years | BScN + teaching experience | Nursing lecturer, curriculum developer, training manager |
| MSc in Nursing Administration | 2 Years | BScN + management experience | Nurse manager, Director of Nursing, hospital administrator |
| PhD in Nursing Science | 3–5 Years | MSc Nursing + research proposal | Academic, policy, global health leadership |
Which Type of Nursing Course Is Right for You?
Your KCSE grade, career goal, and current qualification level determine which nursing course is your best starting point. Use this guide:
| Your Situation | Recommended Course Type | Entry Point | Where It Leads |
|---|---|---|---|
| KCSE C- – first-time student | Certificate in Enrolled Community Health Nursing | KCSE C- with C- in English/Bio | ECHN role → upgrade to Diploma KRCHN |
| KCSE C plain – wants direct diploma | Diploma in KRCHN (Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing) | KCSE C with C in English, Biology | Registered Nurse → BSc upgrade → specialisation |
| KCSE C+ – targets degree direct entry | BSc in Nursing (Basic Direct Entry) | KCSE C+ with C+ in Bio, Chemistry, English | Graduate Nurse → specialisation → MSc |
| Registered KRCHN nurse – 1+ yr experience | Higher Diploma / Post-Basic Specialisation | Diploma + NCK licence + 1 yr post-reg exp. | ICU, midwifery, psychiatry, or critical care specialist |
| KRCHN diploma with credit – wants degree | BSc Nursing Upgrading Programme | KRCHN diploma + NCK licence + 2 yrs exp. | BSc Nurse → leadership, MSc, international roles |
| Working nurse – wants to maintain registration | CPD / Short Nursing Courses | Active NCK licence | CPD points for annual licence renewal |
NCK Registration - What Every Nursing Graduate Must Do
Regardless of which type of nursing course you complete, all graduates must go through the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) registration and licensing process before they can legally practise in Kenya.
Here is what happens after graduation:
| Step | What You Must Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Student Indexing – All students in NCK-approved programmes must be indexed by NCK at the start of their studies. |
| 2 | NCK Licensure Examination – Sit the national NCK exam (held in April and August) after completing your programme. Both written and practical components. |
| 3 | Internship – Complete your supervised internship (duration varies by qualification: KRCHN = included in programme; BScN = 1 year). Supervisor signs and submits a completion form. |
| 4 | Registration Application – Submit online application with certified academic certificates, national ID, exam results, internship completion form, and NCK fee payment. Registration certificate issued within set timelines. |
| 5 | Annual Licence Renewal – Maintain your practising licence with annual NCK renewal and CPD requirements. Late renewal permitted up to a defined deadline after which the licence may be revoked. |
Nursing Salary in Kenya by Course Type
Your nursing qualification level directly determines your starting salary and long-term earning potential. Here is the verified salary picture across course types:
| Qualification / Cadre | Entry Salary (KES/mo) | Mid-Career Salary | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECHN (Certificate) | KES 23,369 – 35,000 | KES 40,000 – 55,000 | Job Group G / H entry; public sector |
| KRCHN (Diploma) | KES 45,000 – 70,000 | KES 70,000 – 110,000 | Job Group K; private hospitals KES 80K+ |
| BScN (Degree) | KES 65,000 – 100,000 | KES 100,000 – 155,000 | Job Group M/N; ICU BScN ~KES 129,000 |
| Higher Diploma Specialist | KES 90,000 – 130,000 | KES 130,000 – 200,000+ | ICU, KRCCN, KRNA – premium roles |
| MSc Nursing (Educator/Manager) | KES 120,000 – 180,000 | KES 200,000 – 350,000+ | Senior management, academic, NGO roles |
Government-employed nurses also receive SRC allowances - housing, health risk, commuter, and extraneous - that significantly increase total monthly compensation beyond the base salary figures above.
Check the full nursing career and salary guide: Nursing Career Opportunities After Diploma.
Documents Required to Apply for a Nursing Course at ICMHS
When applying for the Diploma in KRCHN at ICMHS, prepare the following documents:
- KCSE certificate or official result slip
- National Identity Card or Birth Certificate
- Recent passport-size photographs (2–4, name written on reverse)
- Medical fitness report
- Application fee receipt (KES 1,500 – 2,000 for diploma programmes)
Nursing at ICMHS - School of Nursing, Thika and Nakuru
Imperial College of Medical and Health Sciences (ICMHS) is one of Kenya's leading NCK-approved private nursing institutions. The School of Nursing offers the Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN) at campuses in Thika and Nakuru.
ICMHS Nursing Programme - At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN) |
| Duration | 3 Years | 9 Trimesters |
| Accreditation | NCK Approved | TVETA Regulated | KNEC Examined |
| Campuses | Thika Town | Nakuru Town |
| Annual Intakes | January | March | May | September |
| Min. KCSE Entry | C Plain with C in English/Kiswahili and Biology; C- in Maths, Chemistry, or Physics |
| Clinical Training | Simulation labs, hospital placements – medical wards, maternity, paediatrics, ICU, community health |
| Application | Online | M-Pesa payment | All 47 counties accessible |
| Progression Pathway | KRCHN Diploma → NCK Registration → BSc Nursing upgrade → Higher Diploma specialisation |
| International Support | NCLEX (USA), NMC (UK), and Middle East career guidance for qualified graduates |
Conclusion
There are six types of nursing courses in Kenya - from the entry-level certificate to the postgraduate MSc. Each one is a different rung on the same career ladder, and every rung builds on the one before it.
The right course for you depends on your KCSE result, your timeline, and how far you want to go in your nursing career.
If you have a C plain in KCSE, the Diploma in KRCHN is your direct, three-year pathway to becoming a registered nurse in Kenya - with the clinical training, hospital placements, and NCK preparation that employers in Kenya, the UK, Canada, and the Middle East recognise.
Frequently Asked Questions - Types of Nursing Course Kenya
1. What are the types of nursing courses in Kenya?
There are five main types Certificate in Enrolled Community Health Nursing; Diploma in KRCHN - most popular; BSc in Nursing; Higher Diploma in specialised nursing; and Short courses and CPD.
2. Which nursing course is best in Kenya?
It depends on your KCSE grade and career goal. The Diploma in KRCHN is the most popular and accessible - it requires C plain and leads directly to NCK registration and employment. The BSc Nursing provides a higher qualification ceiling for those targeting leadership, specialisation, or postgraduate study.
3. What is the difference between KRCHN and BSc Nursing in Kenya?
KRCHN is a 3-year diploma requiring KCSE C plain. BSc Nursing is a 4-year university degree requiring KCSE C+. Both lead to NCK registration, but the BSc provides a higher academic credential. KRCHN graduates can upgrade to BSc with 2 years of post-registration experience.
4. What KCSE grade do I need for nursing in Kenya?
Certificate in Enrolled Community Health Nursing: C- (Minus) with C- in English/Biology. Diploma in KRCHN: C Plain with C in English and Biology, C- in Chemistry/Physics/Maths. BSc Nursing: C+ (Plus) with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, and English/Kiswahili.
5. How long does a nursing course take in Kenya?
Certificate: 2.5–3 years. Diploma (KRCHN): 3 years. BSc Nursing: 4 years (direct) or 2 years (upgrading). Higher Diploma specialisation: 18 months. Short courses: 3–6 months. MSc Nursing: 2 years.
6. How much does a nursing course cost in Kenya?
Certificate and diploma programmes at public institutions cost approx KES 83,700/year. Private NCK-approved institutions charge KES 90,000 – 160,000/year for diploma. BSc Nursing at private universities charge KES 83,500/semester (approx. KES 1 million total). Higher diploma specialisations cost KES 180,000 – 350,000 for full 18-month programme.
7. What is a post-basic diploma in nursing Kenya?
A post-basic diploma (also called higher diploma) is a nursing specialisation programme for registered nurses who want to become specialists in fields like KRCCN, midwifery (KRM), mental health (KRNMHP), perioperative care (KRPON), or nephrology.
8. Does ICMHS offer nursing courses?
Yes. ICMHS offers the Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN) - a 3-year NCK-approved programme at campuses in Thika and Nakuru.
9. Can I study nursing with a C plain in Kenya?
Yes. A KCSE mean grade of C plain with C in English or Kiswahili and Biology (and C- in Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics) qualifies you for the Diploma in KRCHN at ICMHS and other NCK-approved institutions.
10. What happens after completing a nursing diploma in Kenya?
After completing the diploma, you sit the NCK licensure examination (held in April and August), complete your internship, and apply for registration with the Nursing Council of Kenya. Once registered and licensed, you can work as a KRCHN nurse, pursue specialisation, upgrade to BSc, or pursue international nursing opportunities.
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