Are you searching for the Kenya nurses salary per month, including details about diploma nurses, KMTC graduates, ICU nurses, registered nurses, and private hospital nurses’ pay? This guide explains everything you need to know about nurses’ earnings in Kenya across various categories and job levels.

Whether you are a nursing student planning your career, an experienced nurse exploring salary prospects, or simply curious about nurses’ remuneration in Kenya, this article provides a comprehensive breakdown of salaries, allowances, and benefits for nurses in both public and private sectors.

Overview of Nursing in Kenya

Nursing is one of the most critical professions in Kenya’s healthcare sector. Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, and community health programs, offering essential care to patients. Their salaries depend on:

• Level of education (certificate, diploma, degree)

• Area of specialization (e.g., ICU, theatre, paediatrics)

• Employer (public vs private sector)

• Experience and rank

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) sets the pay structure for nurses working in public facilities, while private sector pay varies by institution.

Kenya Nurses Salary Per Month by Qualification and Rank

Below is a breakdown of monthly salaries for nurses in Kenya as of 2025, categorized by qualification and job group.

Diploma Nurses Salary in Kenya

Diploma holders are among the most common nursing professionals in Kenya.

• Job Group G to J (Registered Nurse – Diploma):

  • Monthly Salary: KES 50,000 – 70,000

  • Duties: Basic patient care, ward management, supervision of junior staff

With experience and promotions, diploma nurses can rise to senior ranks earning over KES 80,000 – 120,000 monthly.

Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Nurses Salary

Most nurses in Kenya graduate from KMTC. Their starting pay is aligned with the diploma or degree level they attain.

• Entry-level KMTC Diploma Nurse:

  • Monthly Salary: KES 50,000 – 70,000

• KMTC Degree Nurse:

  • Monthly Salary: KES 70,000 – 120,000

• KMTC Higher Diploma/ Specialist Nurse:

  • Monthly Salary: KES 100,000 – 150,000

ICU Nurses Salary in Kenya

ICU (Intensive Care Unit) nurses earn higher due to their specialized skills and critical responsibilities.

• Public Sector ICU Nurse:

  • Monthly Salary: KES 90,000 – 150,000

• Private Hospital ICU Nurse:

  • Monthly Salary: KES 120,000 – 250,000

• ICU nurses also receive additional risk and responsibility allowances.

Registered Nurses Salary in Kenya

Registered nurses (RNs) hold a valid license from the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) and may have a diploma, degree, or higher diploma.

• Entry-level RN:

  • Monthly Salary: KES 50,000 – 70,000

• Senior RN:

  • Monthly Salary: KES 80,000 – 120,000

• Chief Nurse / Nurse Manager:

  • Monthly Salary: KES 150,000 – 250,000

Private Hospital Nurses Salary in Kenya

Salaries in the private sector vary widely depending on the employer.

• Small Clinics:

  • Monthly Salary: KES 40,000 – 60,000

• Mid-level Private Hospitals:

  • Monthly Salary: KES 70,000 – 120,000

• High-end Private Hospitals (e.g., Aga Khan, Nairobi Hospital):

  • Monthly Salary: KES 120,000 – 250,000

Summary Table: Kenya Nurses Salary Per Month (2025)

Allowances and Benefits for Nurses in Kenya

Nurses in public service enjoy several allowances and benefits on top of their basic salary. These include:

• House Allowance: Based on station and grade

• Commuter Allowance

• Risk Allowance: Especially for ICU, theatre, or infectious disease wards

• Uniform Allowance

• Medical Cover: Comprehensive insurance for the nurse and dependents

• Leave Allowance: Annual leave benefit

Kenya Nurses Salary and Allowances (2025)

On average, allowances add between KES 10,000 – 40,000 per month depending on duty station, specialization, and rank. Nurses in hardship or remote areas receive higher allowances to compensate for working conditions.

Nursing Salary Scales in Kenya

Nurses in the public sector are graded within the civil service structure:

• Job Group G – Entry-level Registered Nurse

• Job Group K – Senior Nurse

• Job Group M – Chief Nursing Officer

• Job Group P and above – Director of Nursing Services

Higher job groups correspond to higher salaries and responsibility allowances.

Diploma Nurse Salary in Kenya (2025)

Diploma nurses form the backbone of Kenya’s nursing workforce. Their starting salary is approximately KES 50,000, which increases steadily with experience and promotions.

Degree Nurse Salary in Kenya (2025)

Degree holders generally start at a higher pay grade than diploma nurses.

• Starting Salary: Around KES 70,000 – 90,000

• Senior degree nurses and managers may earn up to KES 200,000 – 250,000

ICU and Theatre Nurses: Specialist Pay

Specialist nurses in critical care, theatre, neonatal, and oncology units earn more due to the complexity and risk of their roles.

• ICU nurses typically earn KES 90,000 – 250,000

• Theatre nurses earn KES 80,000 – 200,000

• Neonatal nurses earn KES 70,000 – 180,000

Private Sector vs Public Sector Pay

While public sector salaries are regulated and predictable, private hospitals offer flexibility and sometimes higher pay, particularly at high-end facilities. However, private sector jobs may have less job security and fewer pension benefits.

Benefits of Being a Nurse in Kenya

• Job security in the public sector

• Opportunities for specialization and advancement

• Pension and gratuity benefits

• Comprehensive medical cover

• Paid annual leave and allowances

Career Progression for Nurses in Kenya

Nurses can progress through:

• Promotions within the TSC or Ministry of Health

• Further studies (Higher Diploma, Degree, Masters)

• Specialization in ICU, anaesthesia, oncology, midwifery, etc.

FAQs About Kenya Nurses Salary Per Month (2025)

How much does a diploma nurse earn per month in Kenya?

Between KES 50,000 – 120,000 depending on experience and employer.

What is the starting salary of a KMTC graduate nurse?

Around KES 50,000 – 70,000 for diploma holders.

How much does an ICU nurse earn in Kenya?

Between KES 90,000 – 250,000, depending on the hospital and experience.

Are nurses in private hospitals paid more than in public hospitals?

In high-end private hospitals, nurses may earn significantly more than their public counterparts.

What is the salary of a registered nurse in Kenya?

Registered nurses earn between KES 50,000 – 250,000, depending on rank and specialization.

Do nurses get allowances?

Yes, public sector nurses receive allowances such as house, commuter, risk, and uniform allowances.

How much does a chief nurse earn in Kenya?

Senior nurses and managers can earn upwards of KES 150,000 – 250,000 per month.

Are nursing salaries the same in all counties?

No, allowances and hardship pay vary by duty station.

Can nurses increase their salary?

Yes, through promotions, further education, and specializing in high-demand areas.

Do nurses in Kenya receive pensions?

Yes, public sector nurses are entitled to pensions and gratuities upon retirement.

Final Thoughts: Kenya Nurses Salary Per Month in 2025

The Kenya nurses salary per month remains competitive and rewarding in 2025, especially for specialized and experienced professionals. Whether you hold a diploma, degree, or are pursuing advanced training, nursing offers job security, decent pay, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

If you are considering a career in nursing or seeking to advance in your current role, the prospects remain bright, with salaries rising in line with qualifications, responsibilities, and experience.