National Nursing and Midwifery Policy 2022-2032

Abstract

The National Nursing and Midwifery Policy 2022-2032 discusses the importance of nursing and midwifery in Kenya, as they form approximately 70% of the health workforce and are responsible for over 80% of health indicators. The National Nursing and Midwifery Policy is introduced as a long-term policy direction for the profession, practice, and service delivery. The policy aims to empower the nursing and midwifery workforce and reinforce investment in nursing and midwifery as a critical health service function at all levels of the health system. It provides an enabling and inclusive framework for all state and non-state actors involved in providing, regulating, and supporting nursing and midwifery functions within national and county health systems. The policy also provides a rationale for its development, stating that despite the establishment of the Nursing and Midwives Council of Kenya in 1952, the country has never had a national policy to guide the development of the nursing and midwifery professions and delivery of services. The policy provides a framework for strengthening nursing and midwifery profession and practice including education, workforce management, regulation, leadership and governance, financing, research and innovation, and provision of quality services in different healthcare settings. It also enables the implementation of Kenya's international commitments including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the World Health Assembly (WHA) resolutions, and the WHO's global strategic directions for strengthening nursing and midwifery 2021-2025.