The government has launched the Nurse of the Year Awards (NOYA), a national recognition programme aimed at honouring the contribution of nurses and midwives in strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system.
The awards were unveiled during the International Nurses and Midwives Day 2026 under the theme “Our Nurses, Our Midwives, Our Future Empowered Nurses Save Lives,”.
Speaking during the launch that coincided with the International Nurses’ week 2026 celebrations at Carnival grounds, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described nurses and midwives as the backbone of the country’s healthcare system, saying their role extends beyond medical care to offering hope, compassion and dignity to patients.
The initiative seeks to recognise excellence in clinical practice, leadership, education, research, innovation, primary healthcare and entrepreneurship within the nursing and midwifery profession.
“Nurses and midwives are far more than a cadre within our health workforce. You are the human face of healthcare. You are the constant presence in moments of fear, uncertainty, healing and hope,” said Duale.
He said the awards scheme symbolised the government’s commitment to recognising service and excellence among healthcare workers while inspiring future generations within the profession.
“This scheme is not merely ceremonial; it is deeply symbolic. It is a national commitment to recognising excellence, celebrating service and elevating role models within the profession,” he added.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that despite challenges such as staff shortages, heavy workloads and emotional pressure, nurses and midwives have continued to provide essential services across the country, including in remote and underserved areas.
Duale said the government remained committed to improving the welfare of healthcare workers through investments in staffing, professional development, mental health support and better working conditions.
He further acknowledged the contribution of development partners, including the Johnson & Johnson Foundation, in supporting leadership training and capacity building for nurses and midwives.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muriuki said nurses account for nearly 70 per cent of Kenya’s health workforce and continue to play a central role in advancing universal health coverage.
“Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. They are often the first point of contact for patients and the critical bridge between communities and the formal healthcare system,” said Muriuki.
She said nurses continue to provide vital services in maternal and child health, immunisation, emergency response, chronic disease management and mental health support across all the 47 counties.
Muriuki also praised nurses for their dedication during difficult periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies.
“During the most difficult moments our nation has faced, it was our nurses who stood firm. They remained steadfast, courageous and committed to duty, often at great personal sacrifice,” she said.
The PS said the Ministry of Health was implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the nursing profession through expanded training opportunities, improved working conditions, digital health integration and enhanced career progression pathways.
“We are working to expand and improve nursing training and professional development, enhance working conditions and ensure safe environments for practice, while improving the absorption and retention of qualified nurses within our public health system,” she stated.
The NOYA programme will begin at the county level where nominations and applications will be reviewed before progressing to regional and national stages ahead of the final gala scheduled for May 2027.
Organisers said the structure was designed to ensure inclusivity and national representation while highlighting excellence and innovation from different parts of the country.
Stakeholders at the event said the awards would also promote mentorship, motivation and professional visibility for younger nurses and midwives entering the profession.
The launch brought together healthcare leaders, county governments, development partners, regulatory bodies, professional associations and training institutions in a renewed call to strengthen support for nurses and midwives as key pillars of healthcare transformation in Kenya.
by Anita Kariuki
