By Hyline Nyanchera
The 39th annual conference of the Kenya Progressive Nurses Association (KPNA) opened in Kisii this week, drawing hundreds of nurses from across the country for three days of dialogue, learning and reflection.
Centred on strengthening professionalism and improving patient care, this year’s gathering highlights the crucial role nurses play in steering Kenya toward universal healthcare.
But the start of the conference has not been without its share of debate.
There have been reports suggesting that some county governors may be using KPNA to dilute the influence of the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN).
KPNA President Michael Nyongesa firmly dismissed the allegations, calling them misleading and unfair.
“KPNA is a professional association, not a political tool,” he said.
“Nobody is using this organisation to fight unions. Our mandate is clear—professional development, training, and improving service delivery for Kenyans.”
Nyongesa emphasised that nurses need both strong unions to fight for their labour rights and professional bodies to advance standards in the sector.
“We are not in competition with KNUN,” he said.
“Nurses deserve safe working spaces, better skills and better pay. We cannot achieve that by fighting each other. Many KNUN members across the country are also KPNA members.”
Participants say the discussions come at a critical time, as nurses continue to push for better welfare, clearer career paths and a stronger voice within the health system.
Resolutions from the conference will be shared with the Ministry of Health at the end of the three-day meeting.
As Kenya accelerates its journey toward Universal Health Coverage, nurses maintain they remain at the heart of the country’s health agenda—and their voice must be heard.