How to Verify Private Nurses in Nairobi, Kenya: A Guide for Diaspora Families
Hiring a private nurse for your loved one in Nairobi while living abroad can be one of the most emotionally and logistically complex decisions you make. You want assurance that the person you entrust with your family’s well-being is qualified, trustworthy, and professional—especially when you’re not physically present to oversee care.
This guide is crafted with you, the diaspora family member, in mind—giving you practical, step-by-step advice on how to verify private nurses in Nairobi, Kenya.
1. Start with Registered Agencies and Professional Networks
While you may be tempted to hire someone through informal recommendations, the safest starting point is a licensed home care agency or nurse staffing service in Nairobi. These organizations typically:
- Vet and background-check their nurses
- Ensure up-to-date licensure
- Have structured contracts and procedures
- Offer replacements in case of absence or conflict
What to look for:
- Is the agency registered with Kenya’s Ministry of Health?
- Do they employ only nurses registered with the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK)?
- Do they offer a written agreement or service contract?
2. Verify Licensure with the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK)
The Nursing Council of Kenya is the regulatory body that licenses and monitors nurses nationwide. You can confirm whether a nurse is legally qualified to practice by:
- Visiting the NCK official website: https://nckenya.com
- Using their online license verification portal
- Emailing or calling their office with the nurse’s full name, ID, and license number
- Requesting a Certificate of Good Standing if needed
Pro Tip: Always verify both academic credentials and current registration status. Some nurses may have trained but are not actively licensed.
3. Request and Cross-Check Documentation
When hiring independently, insist on documentation. Ask the nurse to provide:
- NCK registration number and card
- Academic certificates from accredited nursing colleges (e.g., KMTC, Aga Khan University)
- National ID/passport
- Certificate of Good Conduct (from Kenya Police)
- Professional references (at least 2, with contact details)
- Proof of prior employment (letters, contracts, pay slips if possible)
Important: Call the references yourself. Ask specific questions about reliability, punctuality, professionalism, and any past challenges.
4. Insist on a Trial Period with Supervision
Before entering a long-term contract, set up a 2- to 4-week trial period where the nurse’s performance can be evaluated—ideally with someone you trust nearby in Nairobi (a sibling, family friend, or community elder).
You can also:
- Hire a medical social worker or case manager to oversee the nurse temporarily
- Use a telehealth platform to check in weekly with the nurse and your family
5. Use Technology for Real-Time Oversight
While you may be thousands of miles away, tools like WhatsApp, Zoom, Nest cameras, or caregiver apps allow you to monitor care remotely.
Ask the nurse to:
- Keep a daily care log (in a shared Google Doc or via text)
- Send brief video or photo updates of the patient
- Maintain an open line of communication with you and your family doctor
6. Set Up a Clear Contract and Payment Structure
Whether through an agency or private hire, ensure there is a written agreement that covers:
- Scope of work (duties, hours, off days)
- Pay structure (weekly/monthly rate, bonuses, overtime)
- Confidentiality clauses
- Termination terms
- Dispute resolution mechanisms
Diaspora-specific tip: Consider using secure platforms such as Pesalink, WorldRemit, or Remitly to make payments transparently.
7. Stay Involved and Connected
Hiring a private nurse isn’t a one-off decision. Your active involvement, even remotely, reinforces professionalism and accountability.
- Set weekly check-ins
- Speak directly with your loved one to understand their comfort level
- Build a support team—include neighbors, relatives, or clergy members for occasional visits
✅ Need Help Right Now? Let Sendjaote Do the Heavy Lifting for You
We know you’re juggling life abroad while worrying about your parents, grandparents, or siblings back home. You want a licensed, compassionate, and verified nurse—but you don’t have time to chase paperwork, make midnight calls, or second-guess your choices.
That’s exactly what Sendjaote is here for.
We help diaspora families like yours:
- Hire professionally vetted, NCK-registered private nurses in Nairobi
- Handle background checks, credential verification, and trial placements
- Provide transparent service contracts and secure international payment options
- Offer real-time updates, video care reports, and dedicated support staff
- Step in for emergencies, replacements, and short-notice cases
📞 Get in Touch with Sendjaote Today
📧 Email: messenger@sendjaote.com
📞 Kenya: +254 0746 077035
📞 USA: +1 (678) 865-8091
Whether you’re ready to hire now or just exploring options, we’re here to make it easier, safer, and more personal—for you and your loved ones.
👉 Reach out today, and let’s start building peace of mind—together.