In a bold move to strengthen Kenya’s health workforce and uplift the nursing profession, the Government of Kenya has partnered with key stakeholders — including Johnson & Johnson, Amref Health Africa, the Nurses and Midwives Alliance, and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) — to roll out the Advanced Nursing Education Loan. This initiative is set to empower qualified nurses and midwives by supporting them financially to pursue specialized and advanced courses in nursing.
A Lifeline for Healthcare Workers
Kenya’s healthcare system has long struggled with understaffing, undertraining, and limited resources, especially in specialized areas. Recognizing this challenge, the Ministry of Health is now spearheading efforts to build capacity within the nursing and midwifery professions through access to affordable education financing.
The Advanced Nursing Education Loan program represents a turning point. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to investing in the future of healthcare by ensuring that dedicated professionals have the tools and training they need to deliver better, more specialized care.
About the Advanced Nursing Education Loan
This life-changing opportunity provides successful applicants with:
Loan amount: Up to Ksh 500,000
Interest rate: 4% per annum
Target beneficiaries: Nurses and midwives pursuing advanced or specialized nursing courses
Eligibility: Enrollment in or intent to join an accredited training institution in Kenya
Unlike conventional education loans that come with high interest rates or lengthy approval processes, this initiative is designed to be both affordable and accessible, ensuring that even low-income healthcare workers can advance their skills without financial strain.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for this education loan, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be a qualified nurse or midwife practicing in Kenya.
Be enrolled or have intentions to enroll in a recognized Kenyan institution offering advanced or specialized nursing courses.
Be willing to commit to completing the course and using the skills to improve healthcare outcomes in the country.
This loan is not just about financing education; it’s a strategic investment in Kenya’s health sector.
How to Apply
Application is easy and fully online through the HELB portal:
- Visit www.helb.co.ke
- Click on the “Student Portal”
- Sign up or log in with your existing credentials
- Navigate to the Advanced Nursing Education Loan and complete the application form
- Submit your documents as required and await feedback from HELB
Applicants are advised to apply early and ensure all documents are in order to avoid delays in processing.
Why This Matters
This program is more than just a financial product — it is a nation-building initiative.
Healthcare systems worldwide are increasingly reliant on well-trained nurses to deliver primary and specialized care. In Kenya, where access to quality healthcare remains a challenge in rural and underserved areas, empowering nurses and midwives with advanced education means:
Improved patient outcomes
Strengthened community health programs
Better maternal and child care services
A more resilient healthcare system
This loan will help bridge the gap in skilled health professionals, especially in areas such as oncology nursing, critical care, pediatric nursing, and midwifery.
A Step Toward Empowerment
The initiative also promotes gender equity and economic empowerment, especially for women — who make up a large portion of Kenya’s nursing workforce. It gives nurses and midwives an opportunity to grow their careers, earn higher incomes, and take on leadership roles within the health sector.
By supporting nurses and midwives through this partnership, the government and its partners — Johnson & Johnson, Amref Health Africa, HELB, and the Nurses and Midwives Alliance — are investing not just in individuals, but in the future health and wellbeing of all Kenyans.
Call to Action
If you’re a qualified nurse or midwife looking to further your education and career, don’t miss this opportunity. Apply today and take a major step toward becoming a specialized healthcare provider.
👉 Visit www.helb.co.ke and apply under the Advanced Nursing Education Loan section.
Help spread the word to your colleagues and peers in the healthcare field. Let’s build a stronger, better, healthier Kenya — one trained nurse at a time.
