Nairobi Hospital School of Nursing: Courses, Fees and Admission Requirements

Updated 24 October 2026

The Nairobi Hospital’s nursing school, now called the Cicely McDonell College of Health Sciences, has trained nurses since 1956 and is one of the best known private nursing colleges in Kenya. It runs one basic diploma for school leavers and several one-year post-basic diplomas for nurses who want to specialise. This guide covers each course, its entry requirements, intakes, published fees and how to apply.

Is the Nairobi Hospital nursing school accredited?

Yes. The Nursing Council of Kenya’s list of approved training institutions includes Cecily McDonell College of Health Sciences (Nairobi Hospital) in Nairobi County, approved for Kenya Registered Nursing (KRN) pre-service training, KRCHN upgrading by distance e-learning, and in-service post-basic courses in critical care, neonatal, accident and emergency, oncology and perioperative nursing. The college says its centre is also accredited by the Nursing Council for Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

Basic diploma: Kenya Registered Nursing (KRN)

This is the course for students joining straight from secondary school.

• Duration: 3 years, full time.
• Intakes: April and September each year.
• Minimum KCSE requirements: mean grade C (plain) or equivalent; C (plain) in English or Kiswahili; C (plain) in Biology; and C minus in one more science, which can be Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry.
• Tuition: KSh 199,000 per year, as published in the college brochure. Confirm the current figure with the college before paying, because fees are reviewed.

To see how these requirements compare with public colleges, read our guides to nursing cut-off points and the cost of studying nursing in Kenya.

Post-basic diploma courses and fees

The post-basic department offers specialised diplomas for qualified nurses. The college’s post-basic page lists these courses and annual tuition:

For every post-basic course, the minimum entry requirements are the same: you must be a registered nurse, have at least one year of work experience after registration, and hold a valid nursing practice licence. Earlier college brochures asked for two years of hospital experience and listed slightly different fees, so check the latest requirements when you apply. Any other relevant post-basic qualification counts in your favour.

Applicants trained outside Kenya must be cleared by the Nursing Council of Kenya to join a training programme here, provide official English translations of transcripts written in another language, and may be assessed on English proficiency at the interview.

How to apply

1. Download the application form from the Nairobi Hospital website, or collect one from the college enquiries office at the Anderson Centre, 9th floor, at the hospital on Argwings Kodhek Road.
2. Pay the non-refundable application fee. The college’s published figure for diploma applications is KSh 1,300.
3. Attach copies of your KCSE certificate or result slip, national ID or birth certificate, and passport photos. Post-basic applicants also attach their nursing registration certificate, practice licence and proof of work experience.
4. Submit the form to the admissions office.
5. Attend the interview if shortlisted. The college says it communicates the interview outcome roughly two weeks after the interview.

The college accepts applications throughout the year, but each course fills its places for a specific intake, so apply well before the April or September start you are aiming for.

Accommodation and student loans

Accommodation is available at an extra fee for students who want it. The college brochure lists single rooms at KSh 10,000 a month and double rooms at KSh 8,000 a month. Students can apply for education loans through the hospital’s LEAP programme; ask the enquiries office for the current terms.

If you are comparing private nursing schools, see the Kijabe School of Nursing courses and fees and the KMTC intake guide. Qualified nurses looking for work can browse nursing and health vacancies on jobinkenya.co.ke.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Nairobi Hospital school of nursing called?

It is the Cicely McDonell College of Health Sciences, formerly the Cicely McDonell School of Nursing, founded in 1956.

What are the KRN requirements at Nairobi Hospital?

KCSE mean grade C plain, C plain in English or Kiswahili and Biology, and C minus in Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry.

How much is KRN tuition at Nairobi Hospital?

The college brochure lists KSh 199,000 per year for the three-year KRN diploma. Confirm current fees before paying.

When are the intakes?

KRN takes students in April and September. Post-basic courses take students in April or September depending on the course.

Is the college approved by the Nursing Council of Kenya?

Yes, it is on the Nursing Council’s list of approved training institutions.

Sources: The Nairobi Hospital post-basic department page and FAQs; Cicely McDonell College of Health Sciences brochure; Nursing Council of Kenya list of approved training institutions.