Nursing in Kenya: how difficult is the registration process?

1POSTS

last month

Hi all,

My husband is considering taking a job that would require us to move to Nairobi for 1-2 years. I am an oncology nurse in Utah, and am interested in finding employment in Nairobi as well, hopefully as a nurse. The process seems pretty involved. I am required to obtain clearance from the ministry of health to determine if i should even be considered for employment in kenya based on my qualifications before submitting an application to the nursing council in Kenya. Seems to be an extensive registration process. Has anyone had success with this? I am wondering if volunteering would be likely? Thanks!

Sarah

See also

Setting up a business in Kenya - Guide
98 Land Rover with British plates in Kenya. Registration - 4 Replies
No more alien card/registration for tourists? - 3 Replies
How to bring your car to Kenya - 4 Replies
How to deal with stress when moving to Kenya - 7 Replies
How safe is a Kenya? - 7 Replies
How to start a business in Kenya - 4 Replies

Cheryl Moderator

16035POSTS

last month

Hello Sarah,

Welcome to Expat.com 😀

Just a quick note to let you know that I have adjusted the title of your thread to make it more relevant and easier for members to respond.

All the best,

Cheryl

Expat.com team

Longonot62 Kenya Advisor

1521POSTS

last month

Hi, Bear in mind that there is a lot of unemployment in the Kenyan health sector. I think that it's unlikely that you would be granted a work permit as these tend to be issued in those sectors where there is a skill shortage. Nursing salaries are low by western standards - around $400 per month for a registered nurse.

You have to secure a job first, then the employer applies for your work permit, evidencing that the job cannot be filled from the local jobs market. Work permits should be applied for before entering Kenya - then there is the registration process.

Volunteering is not permitted without a work permit, but some people do it anyway, but usually for short periods.

You will have to have a permit of some sort to live in Kenya, otherwise you will have to leave after 6 months - spouses and family typically apply for 'Dependent Passes' which are cheap, but work of any type, paid or voluntary is not permitted.