The Kenya University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTTRH) recently concluded a week-long celebration honoring the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide during the International Nurses Week.
The celebrations commenced on the 6th of May 2024, culminating in an occasion held at KUTRRH’s Auditorium on 9th May. This year’s theme was “Our nurses our future, the Economic Power of care” stressing the role that nurses play in caregiving and the country’s overall economic development.
The final day event was marked by a walk to mark the culmination of the international nurse’s week which was aimed at providing nurses with an opportunity to decompress and reflect on their hard work and dedication. There were speeches, recognition of outstanding nurses and tree planting.
In attendance was H. E Tessi Mudavadi, who was the Chief guest, the CEO of KUTRRH Ahmed Dagane; Ms. Kavinya Mwendwa, who represented the Board of Directors of KUTRRH, a representative of the Nursing Council of Kenya; Madam Maryline Chebi and the nurses of KUTRRH. Hospital administrators and nursing leaders also addressed the gathering.
The Acting Director of Nursing, Ms. Jackline Tindi, highlighted the important role that the nurses played during the doctor’s strike. She noted that the nurses faced many challenges but managed to overcome them. She urged them to be prepared to face other challenges that will come their way. Ms. Tindi requested the management to consider training the nurses abroad to expand their exposure and skills and to provide research facilities.
Ms. Maryliynne Chebi, who represented the CEO of the Nursing Council of Kenya noted that nurses are catalysts for change and champions for health equity. She emphasized the need to empower nurses by providing them with resources and support to unlock their full potential and make a healthier and prosperous country. She reaffirmed the Nursing Council of Kenya’s commitment to ensuring that the nurses are well prepared to meet the evolving needs in the healthcare space. She noted that the NCK is in support of this year’s theme by strengthening partnerships with academic institutions to enhance nurses’ education, advocating for policies that prioritize the nursing workforce, developing and recognizing the economic value of nurses, providing guidance and support to health care facilities to optimize nursing stamina and resources; engaging in dialogue with stakeholders to create awareness for economic contribution and the importance of investing in nurses. She concluded by encouraging all nurses to work tirelessly to ensure that they receive recognition, support, the resources they deserve and to work together to ensure that nursing is a respected and rewarding profession.
Mr. Ahmed Dagane, the CEO of KUTTRH, expressed his pride in being a nurse and the first ever nurse to be a CEO in a public Hospital in Kenya. He promised to advocate for all that touches on nurses. He also recognized the nurses’ efforts and termed nurses as the backbone of health care and the contributors to economic growth. He also expressed profound gratitude to the nursing staff for their unwavering commitment and resilience, especially during the doctor’s strike. He highlighted nurses’ pivotal role in delivering patient-centered care. He emphasized the Hospital’s continued support for their professional development and well-being.
Ms. Kavinya Mwendwa welcomed H.E. Tessi Mudavadi on behalf of the Board of Directors. She acknowledged the nurses for upholding expertise and their ability to anticipate the patient’s needs. Ms. Mwendwa mentioned the advancement made by KUTRRH in training nurses through introducing new programs in KUTRRH’s Institute of Specialized Training, such as oncology and critical care nursing programs. The Hospital also has a team of nurses in India receiving training on kidney transplants which is a highly demanded service but has few professionals in Kenya. She assured the nurses of the Board of Director’s commitment to advance their training needs through observerships and conferences.
H.E. Tessi Mudavadi, the chief guest, termed the termed nurses as “Our past, present, future and our economic power.” She noted that healthy individuals are more productive, engage fully in their communities and are less reliant on social support systems, consequently contributing to the society’s overall economic growth and stability. Nurses have played a role in ensuring this is realized. She recognized the government’s efforts to support the nursing fraternity. She noted that the President of Kenya had pledged 27 million Kenyan shillings for the completion of a medical training center in Kenya.
The president has also promised an employment plan for twenty thousand nurses and doctors by the end of the year 2027.
The Cabinet Secretary for Labor and Social Protection Ms. Florence Bore had also announced that Kenya has signed a bilateral agreement with some foreign nations to enable unemployed private nurses to seek employment overseas.
H.E. Mrs. Mudavadi assured the nurses that the Government is in support of them, and it recognizes their work and commends them for their role during the doctors’ strike. She urged the nurses not to allow their dream of being a Florence Nightingale to fade away due to the numerous challenges they face.
The event was capped by the presentation of awards and tokens of appreciation to outstanding nurses who exemplify the Hospital’s core values of integrity, compassion, and excellence. Nurses were recognized for their leadership, clinical expertise, and innovation in nursing practice. The nurses later took part in tree planting led by the Chief Guest who made a contribution of over 200 seedlings to be planted in KUTRRH.
Earlier days, nurses engaged in various activities, such as team building. As International Nurses Week ended at KUTTRH, the event served as a powerful tribute to nurses’ dedication, compassion, and resilience worldwide. Of significance was the recognition of the invaluable contributions nurses make and the commitment of the Hospital in supporting the professional growth and well-being of nurses. In celebrating nurses, we honor their tireless efforts and their profound impact on the lives of patients and communities.
HAPPY NURSES WEEK!!
“Our nurses our future, the economic power of care,”