KUTRRH calls for more nurse training to boost quality healthcare

As the world marked the International Nurses Week last week that will culminate to International Nurses day on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, nursing professionals have been asked to enroll for further studies in a bid to improve their skills.

During celebrations held in honour of nurses at Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) on Friday, May 8, 2026, leaders in the sector said they deserve recognition and appreciation for their unique role in the medical field.

Dr Pamleila Nkirote, the Director Nursing Services at KUTRRH, challenged the 800 nurses in the facility to go for further studies, noting that only 23 percent of them have enrolled for higher training.

She pointed out that there is a window for 30 per cent of nurses to improve their skills through further training every year, which leaves a shortfall of 7 percent.

The hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Zeinab Gura, in a speech read by the acting CEO Dr. Anthony Kamau, said the management is committed to creating an environment where nurses are empowered to thrive professionally and in person.

“We recognise that nurses are the heartbeat of every hospital. They are caregivers, educators, advocates, counsellors, and leaders who work tirelessly to ensure patients receive safe, dignified and compassionate care every day,” she stated.

Zeinab added that KUTRRH will continue creating an environment where nurses are empowered to thrive professionally with the understanding that quality patient care can only be achieved when healthcare workers are adequately supported.

“This celebration gives us an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the extraordinary role nurses continue to play in transforming healthcare delivery at KUTRRH and across the country,” Dr Gura reiterated.

She maintained that the level 6 hospital has continued to strengthen staff welfare and professional growth through training opportunities, mentorship programmes, coaching initiatives, and emotional support systems aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of the nursing workforce.

“We have also enhanced access to clinical tools, equipment and essential resources required for effective service delivery across departments. These improvements have enabled our nurses to provide efficient and responsive patient care while adapting to the increasing demands of specialized healthcare services,” the CEO divulged.

She added that as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and operational efficiency, the facility is scaling up digitization and strengthening systems that support transparency, continuous learning, communication and quality improvement within nursing services.

“In addressing staffing concerns and workload pressures, deliberate efforts have also been made toward improving staffing levels and workload management,

“Additionally, the commencement of internal locum programmes for nurses has helped improve continuity of care, support service delivery, and strengthen nurse-patient ratios in critical service areas,” Dr Gura added.

The chief guest at the occasion Dr. Kawira Gitonga of Chuka University while referring to the theme of the occasion: ‘Empowered nurses save lives’, said these professionals, as well as midwives, are the first point of contact for patients and should be celebrated and appreciated.

She added that part of the recognition is for the government to pay them well and offer them chances of self-advancement through further education.

“Empowerment of nurses goes beyond providing tools. It is about creating an enabling environment where nurses can thrive, it’s also about education and competency,” Dr Gitonga said.