In 2021, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta initiated a significant opportunity for Kenyan healthcare professionals to seek employment abroad with the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS). This groundbreaking agreement, primarily centered on fostering collaboration in the healthcare sector, aimed to provide approximately 5,000 unemployed medical practitioners with lucrative positions for an undisclosed duration before their eventual return to Kenya.
The announcement of this partnership elicited diverse reactions from various quarters, particularly within the realm of social media. Supporters lauded it as a promising alliance that would facilitate the exchange of skills and expertise between nations. However, critics voiced concerns that this endeavor might inadvertently exacerbate the longstanding issue of brain drain in Kenya.
Among the contingent of Kenyan healthcare workers heading to the UK, there were notably nurses who had struggled to secure local employment. Nevertheless, it’s essential to acknowledge that even among those currently employed, a substantial number were exploring opportunities abroad in pursuit of more favorable prospects.
Before embarking on their UK nursing journey, registered nurses were required to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language by successfully completing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination, which came at a cost of approximately Ksh 30,000. This assessment evaluated their abilities in writing, speaking, reading, and listening, with an expected average score of 7 out of 10.
After achieving success in the IELTS examination, aspiring nurses began the process of applying for available vacancies. However, it was advisable to undertake an additional examination, the NMC-CBT (Nursing and Midwifery Council-Computer Based Exam). This process entailed verification by the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) and the payment of specified fees for Nursing and Midwifery Council application.
To partake in the NMC-CBT, candidates were required to possess a valid passport. The examination venue in Kenya was located at JKUAT Towers, situated directly opposite Jamia Mosque in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
In terms of remuneration, nurses employed by the NHS received compensation on an hourly basis, with a minimum wage of £12.70. They typically worked for 37.5 hours per week, distributed across three 12-hour shifts, resulting in a weekly income of £476.25 and a monthly income of approximately Ksh 287,655.
Furthermore, nurses had the opportunity to supplement their income through additional employment known as “bank shifts” for the remaining four days of the week. Nurses engaged in bank shifts earned an average hourly rate of £19.50, totaling £468 for two days (19.5 × 12 × 2). When converted to Kenyan shillings, this equated to a weekly income of Ksh 70,668 and a monthly income of Ksh 282,672. In total, their monthly earnings amounted to Ksh 287,655 + Ksh 282,672, totaling Ksh 570,327.
As of July 2023, the base pay for nurses in the UK varied, with the average annual income standing at £24,000, which translated to approximately Ksh 364,000 per month (with a conversion rate of 1£ = Ksh 182 as of July 2023).
However, it’s important to note that according to reports from The Standard, Kenyan nurses working in the UK typically earned between Ksh 600,000 and upwards of Ksh 800,000, considering various additional factors.
Taking into account living expenses in the UK, which could be quite substantial, particularly housing costs, it was crucial for nurses to carefully assess their financial situation before making the decision to relocate. The cost breakdown included an average monthly expenditure of £850 for a two-bedroom house in London, as well as additional expenses for water (£50), gas and electricity (£120), council tax (£150), food (£200), and clothing (£70), totaling £1,440 (Ksh 217,440). Shared accommodation could halve these expenses.
In light of the mentioned figures, a nurse working in the UK, doing 2 days of bank shifts per week, could potentially achieve a monthly net income of approximately Ksh 352,887. However, it’s essential to exercise due diligence and consider potential variations in the cost of living, which could impact net earnings.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that commuting expenses were not included in the calculation, as the NHS covered these costs, albeit limited to a 5-mile radius. Therefore, aspiring Kenyan nurses bound for the UK should weigh all these factors carefully before embarking on this international career opportunity.
