Felix Osano, Nairobi Hospital CEO
The Nairobi Hospital concluded International Nurses Week with a heartfelt celebration and a bold reaffirmation of its commitment to empowering nurses both professionally and personally.
The ceremony, held at the hospital’s Amphitheatre, brought together healthcare professionals, leadership, and stakeholders in a moving tribute to the vital role nurses play in Kenya’s healthcare system.
In her keynote address, Dr. Susan Njuguna, Dean of Nursing at Daystar University, called for systemic change to protect and elevate the dignity of nurses. “How nurses are treated directly impacts patient outcomes and the overall efficiency of our healthcare system,” she emphasized.
Dr. Njuguna urged institutions to adopt policies that prioritize nurses’ well-being—including mental health support, stress management initiatives, and physical safety measures.
“Each nurse is not just a professional but an individual with unique personal challenges. We must address both dimensions to ensure they flourish,” she said, calling on healthcare facilities to move beyond symbolic celebrations and implement real structural reforms.
She also pointed to larger systemic issues—such as underfunded health systems and infrastructure gaps—that impede effective nursing care, underscoring the need for holistic reform across the sector.
In a strong show of support, The Nairobi Hospital CEO, Felix Osano, outlined several concrete steps the institution has taken to uplift its nursing workforce this year. These include:
Sponsorship of 32 nurses to attend national nursing conferences
Certification of 56 nurses in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Sponsorship for four nurses to attend the International Nurses Council Conference in Finland later this year
Osano further announced plans to sponsor higher diploma studies for nurses in various specializations starting August 2025.
“We are committed to appreciating our nurses not just in words, but in actions that create opportunity and long-term growth,” said Osano.
A standout moment of the ceremony was the recognition of Mercy Mkubwa, a Nurse Educator and Researcher at The Nairobi Hospital, who has been awarded a prestigious scholarship by the Florence Nightingale Foundation in the UK. She is one of only two Kenyan nurses selected for the globally competitive program.
“It’s the smallest thing we do that matters,” Mercy said, her words echoing the humility and dedication that define the nursing profession.
The Nairobi Hospital reiterated its dedication to nurturing a culture of excellence in nursing through continued investment in training, policy advocacy, and holistic wellness programs—ensuring its nurses are not just celebrated, but empowered to lead