Nairobi Hospital Marks International Nurses Week 2026, Honours Nurses as Healthcare’s Backbone
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 11 – The Nairobi Hospital leadership has issued a resounding commendation for its nursing staff for their dedication, commitment and sacrifice highlighting their unwavering sacrifice and indispensable contribution to the facility’s mission of clinical excellence.
Acknowledging nurses as the vital link in the patient care chain, the management committed to championing robust professional development initiatives, ensuring the team remains equipped to lead the way in modern, compassionate healthcare delivery.
The celebrations led by the National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK) – The Nairobi Hospital Chapter, brought together healthcare professionals, nursing leaders, and partners under this year’s theme: “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
Principal Secretary for Health and Professional Standards, Madam Mary Muthoni while speaking celebrations to commemorate the International Nurses Week 2026, reiterated Government’s commitment to strengthening the nursing profession as a key pillar in the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“The Government of Kenya recognizes and greatly values the critical role nurses play in the delivery of Universal Health Coverage, Nurses are the backbone of our health system, providing frontline healthcare and strengthening communities across the country,” said PS Muthoni.
The PS noted that nurses manage approximately 75 per cent of Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities in Kenya and continue to play a central role in primary healthcare, maternal health, immunization, preventive and curative services.
Additionally, She recognized nurses for their critical role in saving lives, improving maternal and child health, and ensuring continuity of care across the healthcare system, noting that nurses account for over 110,000 health workers, representing nearly 58 percent of Kenya’s health workforce.
“Nurses remain the backbone of Kenya’s healthcare system, driving quality care, saving lives, and advancing Universal Health Coverage”.
“The Government is focused on policies and investments aimed at improving training, working conditions, career progression, leadership development, and nurses’ retention,’’ the PS added.
PS Muthoni further commended The Nairobi Hospital for investing in continuous professional development, higher education, research, innovation and modernization of clinical training facilities aimed at strengthening the healthcare workforce.
“Empowering nurses through better training, technology, leadership opportunities, and supportive working environments remains essential in building resilient and people-centred health systems”.
Mr Felix Osano, Chief Executive Officer, The Nairobi Hospital praised nurses for their dedication and unwavering commitment to patient care, noting that they remain a critical and indispensable pillar of the hospital’s healthcare ecosystem.
“Our nurses embody the very essence of who we are as an institution, Their dedication, commitment and selfless service continue to ensure safe, high quality patient experiences,” said Mr Osano.
Osano reiterated the hospital’s commitment to strengthening the Nursing Division through continuous training, improved working conditions, and ongoing capacity development to support nurses in delivering world-class healthcare services.
“I commend the National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK) – TNH Branch and the hospital’s Nursing Division leadership for organizing the celebrations and advancing excellence in nursing care,” Mr Osano added.
Further, Director Nursing Services at The Nairobi Hospital, Dr. Margaret Muiyuro, PhD, highlighted the importance of investing in nursing leadership, professional development, and evidence-based practice to strengthen healthcare delivery.
“Nursing is a calling grounded in compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to patientcenteredcare, Investing in nurses directly improves patient outcomes and strengthens healthcare systems,” said Dr Muiyuro.
Subsequently, Dr. Muiyuro thanked The Nairobi Hospital for prioritising continuous professional development, specialization and leadership empowerment for nurses to enable them to effectively respond to evolving healthcare needs.
She commended the Premier Healthcare facility for its dedication to advanced clinical training and nursing autonomy, noting that fostering a culture of lifelong learning and empowerment for nurses enable them to effectively respond to evolving healthcare needs.
The event served as a prestigious platform to honor exceptional nurses for their tireless dedication and exemplary service, the recognition underscores the hospital’s commitment to uphold a legacy of medical brilliance and ethical practice, ensuring that compassion remains at the heart of their high-performance culture.
International Nurses Day, observed from May 6 to May 12, serves as a global tribute to the vital contributions and specialized knowledge that nursing professionals bring to the healthcare landscape.
This annual occasion highlights their indispensable role in patient recovery and public health, reinforcing the deep respect the world holds for their skill and resilience.
The 2026 celebrations centers on the vital theme of empowerment, with international focus on “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives” and “The Power of Nurses”, Spotlights the transformative impact of nurses, showcasing how elevating the voices of frontline caregivers is essential for building more resilient, equitable and innovative healthcare infrastructures worldwide.
