Nurse cadres in Kenya (enrolled, KRCHN, BScN) and what each can do
Nursing Council of Kenya · sources read 4 Oct 2026
Kenya has three main nurse levels: enrolled nurses (certificate), registered nurses such as KRCHN (diploma) and BScN graduates (degree). Whatever your level, you must pass the NCK exam and be registered and licensed by NCK before you practise.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- Where
- Through an NCK-approved training school, then the NCK Online Services Portal. NCK offices: NCK Plaza, Kabarnet Rd off Ngong Rd, Nairobi
Steps
- Pick your level: a certificate makes you an enrolled nurse (e.g. Kenya Enrolled Community Health Nurse); a diploma makes you a registered nurse (e.g. KRCHN); a degree is BScN.
- Once admitted to an approved school, apply to be indexed by NCK within 60 days of starting training.
- Pass the NCK licensure exam, then apply online to be registered and licensed.
- To move up later: an enrolled nurse can upgrade to diploma after 2 years of work, and a diploma nurse can upgrade to degree after 2 years of work.
Watch out
- A basic BScN graduate must finish a 1-year internship before registration. A KRCHN who upgraded to BScN registers directly, no internship.
- NCK has an official scope of practice by cadre, but duties still vary between counties and facilities. Ask your employer for your written job description.
- Every nurse or midwife practising in Kenya must be registered and licensed by NCK, at every level.
Who can apply
- Degree (BScN, pre-service): KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in the cluster subjects.
- Diploma (pre-service): KCSE mean grade C plain, with the set subject grades.
Official sources (7)
- Nursing Council of Kenya home page nckenya.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Registration and Licensing nckenya.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Student Indexing nckenya.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Policy Brief No.004/2025: Scope of Practice for Nurses and Midwives in Kenya nckenya.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Kenya Enrolled Community Health Nurse III, Job Group G, Vacancy No 11/2026/KCPSB kwale.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse III, Job Group H, Vacancy No 1/2026/KCPSB kwale.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- NCK Online Services Portal osp.nckenya.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026