The National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK), Kericho Branch, has ushered in a vibrant new leadership team with a strong commitment to advancing nurses’ welfare, strengthening professional growth, and amplifying advocacy for the nursing fraternity in the county.
The elections, held at the ACK Grace Conference Hall, drew a strong turnout of members who lauded the process as a fresh chapter for the nursing fraternity in Kericho.
With nursing recognised as one of the most trusted and vital professions in healthcare, the newly elected officials pledged to strengthen advocacy, professional development, and welfare programmes, ensuring that the voice of nurses continues to be heard in shaping the county’s health agenda.
In the hotly contested polls, members of the NNAK Kericho Branch entrusted Charles Kiprotich Rono with the role of Chairperson, deputised by Salina Chemjor as Vice Chairperson. Caroline Tonui and Winnie Soi successfully defended their seats as Secretary and Treasurer respectively, while the County’s Director of Nursing Services, Beatrice Koskei, will continue offering guidance as the Patron.
Speaking shortly after his election, Rono thanked members for the trust bestowed upon him and affirmed his commitment to steering the association with firm leadership.
He vowed to reposition NNAK as a more vibrant and influential voice for nurses, driving advocacy, professional growth, and welfare with renewed energy and purpose
“This victory is not mine alone but belongs to every nurse in Kericho. Together, we shall build a stronger association that safeguards our welfare, raises our professional standards, and ensures that the voice of nurses is heard at every decision-making table. Going forward, we want nurses to be respected and supported in professional development. Our nurses have studied and continue to study, and we must create opportunities for them to grow, from diploma level all the way to PhD,” Rono said.
He underscored that membership in NNAK opens doors to continuous training, research opportunities, and global linkages through the International Council of Nurses (ICN).
He further noted that the new leadership will roll out a countywide membership drive aimed at strengthening solidarity within the nursing fraternity and amplifying the profession’s collective voice.
“Unity in the profession is the first step towards achieving better working conditions and ensuring quality healthcare for our patients,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Patron Beatrice Koskei hailed the election as a landmark moment for Kericho nurses, affirming that it was the first time the branch had conducted a fully competitive and well-structured poll under the direct oversight of the national office — a standard, she emphasised, that will strengthen accountability and inspire greater confidence in the association’s leadership.
She underscored the need to address the challenges facing nurses, including staff shortages, burnout, and limited opportunities for career advancement.
“Nurses are the backbone of healthcare facilities, yet they face heavy workloads and burnout. We will work with the new team to develop a three-year strategic plan, lobby for resources, and ensure members access welfare support, higher education sponsorships, and international conferences,” Koskei said.
Founded in 1968, NNAK is a professional body representing nurses countrywide, with affiliation to the International Council of Nurses (ICN).
The association has been instrumental in shaping national health policy through collaborations with the Ministry of Health, county governments, and global health stakeholders.
Its mandate includes advocating for improved working conditions, advancing nursing education, promoting mental health support for nurses, and lobbying for resources to strengthen the nursing workforce. County branches, such as the rejuvenated Kericho chapter, serve as the grassroots drivers of this agenda.
Amid rising demand and staffing gaps, the newly elected Kericho leadership assumes office at a defining moment—one that not only calls for bold advocacy but also offers an opportunity to set a new standard for nursing leadership.
Their mandate promises a brighter future where nurses are empowered, their welfare safeguarded, and patients across the county benefit from stronger, more responsive healthcare.
By Gilbert Mutai
