Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital CEO Dr Phillip Kirwa with nurses' association boss at the hospital Doreen Songol (c) during launch of a walk to mark International Nurses WeekThe Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital has praised nurses for their central role in delivering healthcare services, describing them as the backbone of care at the facility and across the country.
Chief executive officer Dr Phillip Kirwa said nurses make up more than a third of the hospital’s workforce and remain vital in ensuring effective patient care.
Speaking during International Nurses Week celebrations, he said the hospital would continue supporting and facilitating nurses to enable them to deliver quality services efficiently.
“The nurses perform a central role in the care of patients, showing compassion, empathy and all that is required by very vulnerable people in hospitals,” Kirwa said.
He said the hospital celebrates and honours nurses for their dedication, urging them to maintain high standards of care at all times.
Kirwa spoke at the hospital while flagging off a walk by nurses as part of the week’s celebrations. National events are scheduled to take place in Nairobi.
He was accompanied by Doreen Songol, chairperson of the National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK) branch at the hospital, among other officials.
Songol said the week is being marked under the theme “Empowered Nurses Save Lives”, aimed at recognising the profession and honouring a calling rooted in compassion, resilience and dedication.
She said nurses remain at the heart of healthcare, offering hope in moments of fear, strength in times of uncertainty and care that transforms lives.
According to her, empowering nurses through education, supportive work environments, leadership opportunities and access to resources directly improves patient outcomes and strengthens health systems.
“An empowered nurse is confident, skilled and motivated. That empowerment is evident in safer care and healthier communities,” she said.
Songol said NNAK is committed to strengthening the role of nurses within the healthcare system and supporting their professional growth.
She also commended nurses for their commitment and resilience despite ongoing challenges, saying their contribution extends far beyond hospital walls.
However, the celebrations come at a time when service delivery at MTRH is under strain because of a shortage of more than 1,000 nurses.
Kirwa recently said many nurses have left the institution in search of better opportunities abroad, while others have exited through natural attrition, with replacements yet to be made.
He said the hospital is currently conducting a staff assessment to determine the exact numbers required to address the shortfall and restore efficiency.
Kirwa further said MTRH plans to embark on the recruitment of critical staff to ease pressure on the workforce and improve service delivery.
He said staffing costs remain a major challenge, with the hospital payroll consuming more than 70 per cent of its budget.
