The Daily Journey of a Nurse
Day by day, step by step, nurses walk a marathon, entering the lives of strangers and leaving behind hope, healing, and humanity. Through sleepless nights and endless calls, they carry care. With grace, they rise, ready to mend wounds, offer comfort, and carry strength not only in their hands but in their hearts. They are the quiet force in chaotic moments, the calm in the storm, and the heartbeat of healthcare.
Celebrating International Nurses Week 2025
We marked the 2025 International Nurses Week from May 9th to 16th, under the theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies.” This powerful theme highlights the importance of prioritizing the well-being of nurses to build strong global health systems.
A Day of Wellness and Celebration
The highlight of the week occurred on May 14th, when nurses took part in a vibrant day of activities. The event featured energizing Zumba and aerobics sessions, competitive team games, and wellness-focused challenges. Nurses were divided into teams, engaging in a variety of contests, such as creating team cheers, sack races, balloon-popping, and hula hooping, all designed to foster teamwork and camaraderie.
Leadership Presence and Environmental Impact
The event was further graced by the presence of Dr. Judith Awinja, the Director of Nursing Services at the Ministry of Health, who joined the nurses for a wellness walk. Along with Dr. Pamleila Ntwiga and Dr. Mwirigi Kiula, Director of Information, Communication,Technology and Innovation (ICTI), Dr. Awinja participated in a tree planting ceremony on the hospital grounds, marking the occasion with a lasting environmental contribution.
Inspiring Words from Nursing Leaders
Dr. Judith Awinja: A Call to Invest in Nurses
In her opening remarks, Dr. Awinja expressed gratitude to the nurses and, in a moment of collective pride, led them in a spirited chant of “Viva Nurses Viva!” to honour their dedication. She highlighted that the theme of Nurses Week emphasizes the central role of nurses in health care systems, economic resilience, and national development. Dr. Awinja emphasized that nurses contribute significantly to better health outcomes, which in turn have profound economic benefits. She urged hospital leaders and partners to continue investing in the nursing profession, recognizing nurses as invaluable assets for national development, and encouraged nurses to take pride in their work, as they are driving positive change and improving the quality of life.
Dr. Lister Onsongo: Advocating for Policy and Progress
Dr. Lister Onsongo, Registrar and CEO of the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), also spoke, stressing the importance of investing in nurses through fair wages, safe working conditions, adequate staffing ratios, and continued education. Dr. Onsongo outlined the Nursing Council’s commitment to advocating for policies that support the nursing workforce, including streamlining licensing services, recognizing specialized nurses at the master’s level, and standardizing entry-level qualifications with a unified diploma program. He urged the continued support, empowerment, and recognition of nurses, both during Nurses Week and beyond.
Dr. Mwirigi Kiula: A Message of Gratitude
Dr. Mwirigi Kiula, Director of ICTI, conveyed a message from the Ag. CEO Dr. Zeinab Gura, who expressed her deep gratitude to every nurse in this hospital and having personally signed over 700 certificates of appreciation for each nurse to receive. Dr. Kiula shared his experience working along side the nursing team, reflecting on how he has witnessed their unwavering commitment to providing patients with consistent and effective healthcare journey over the years, commending their professionalism, compassion, and dedication.
Dr. Pamleila Ntwiga: Nurses as the Backbone of Healthcare
He extended his thanks to the partners for their on going support and contributions to Nurses Week. He concluded with a heartfelt message to the nurses, offering his blessings: “As you give your very best, may the very best be given to you.” The hospital’s Director of Nursing Services Dr. Pamleila Ntwiga,shared the positive feedback she consistently receives from patients and personally commended the nurses, describing them as “stars” for their excellence and dedication. She emphasized that nurses are the backbone of Kenya’s healthcare system, expressing gratitude for their relentless dedication and noting that their contribution significantly impact patient outcomes.
She acknowledged that nursing is not for the faint-hearted and this hospital is priviledged to have such committed nurses who continue showing ultimate dedication while providing exceptional care and uphold the health system even during the most difficult moments. She announced that, in the 2025 nurse’s week, every nurse would be acknowledged and receive a certificate of appreciation and encouraged everyone to continue uplifting and supporting nurses.
Ms. Jackline Tindi: A Celebration of Significance
On her part the Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Ms. Jackline Tindi, likened Nurses Week to a mother eagerly anticipating the arrival of her newborn child, full of preparation and excitement. She expressed that the nurse’s week held deep significance for the nurses here in the hospital, in Kenya and around the globe. Reflecting on the theme she explained that nurses not only impact patient lives but also play a key role in strengthening economies by contributing to a healthy and prosperous nation. She encouraged nurses to take pride in their profession and to continue shining brightly in their service.
A Joyful Conclusion and Partner Support
Cake-Cutting Ceremony
The celebration concluded with the cake-cutting ceremony, which served as a symbolic and joyful conclusion to the celebration, an expression of gratitude for the extraordinary service, resilience, and compassion shown by the nurses. Each slice served was a tribute to the nurses who are often the first to welcome patients and the last to bid them farewell, always at the frontline, providing unwavering
care and advocating tirelessly for their patients.
Support from Partners
The success of Nurses Week was made possible with the generous support of our partners, including Sanlam insurance, Jubilee Insurance, Madison Insurance, Nairobi enterprise, National bank, NIBS Technical College, Stanbic and Coca-Cola company. Their contribution enabled a variety of activities designed to appreciate and uplift the nursing team. As part of these appreciation efforts, nurses were further treated to complimentary beauty and personal care services, such as makeup, massages, facials, pedicures, haircuts, and hairstyling, all courtesy of NIBS Technical College.
A Lasting Message
As we honour nurses, there is a need to reciprocate their compassion with recognition, support, and appreciation for the critical role they play in our health systems and our lives.