The Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) has announced changes to examination centres for candidates scheduled to sit the upcoming May licensure examinations.

According to an announcement by the council on April 23, all candidates from Makindu and Kitui KMTC examination centres will now sit their examinations at Machakos University.

“Dear Candidates, note that due to logistical reasons, your center may have been changed to one that is active in your preferred area. Note that a change of exam center is Not allowed,” read part of the announcement.

At the Nairobi Hospital examination centre, some KRCHN candidates will sit their exams at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), while all KRN/MHP candidates will also be moved to CUEA.

Nursing Council Relocates Exam Centres for Upcoming May Licensure Tests

In addition, NCK stated that some BScN candidates will sit their examinations at the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM).

In Mombasa, BScN and KRCHN candidates will now sit their examinations at the North Coast examination centre.

At the Eldoret National Polytechnic centre, some KRCHN candidates will sit their exams at D. Kilimo Medical Training College.

The council has advised all candidates to take note of the changes and make necessary preparations.

It has also urged candidates seeking clarification to use official communication channels.

The Nursing Council of Kenya reiterated its commitment to ensuring the smooth administration of professional examinations.



NCK May 2026 Licensure Examination Schedule

NCK released the timetable for the May 2026 licensure examinations, with candidates set to sit papers between May 13 and May 15 across various nursing and midwifery programmes.

The examinations will be administered in morning and afternoon sessions, depending on the program and number of papers.

Programme Papers Date Morning (9:00–11:00 AM) Afternoon (2:00–4:00 PM)
Kenya Registered Paediatric Nurse (KRPAEDN) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Registered Midwife (KRM) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Registered Paediatric Critical Care Nurse (KRPAEDCCN) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Registered Paediatric Oncology Care Nurse (KRPAEDON) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Registered Palliative Care Nurse (KRPCN) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Registered Oncology Nursing (KRON) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Registered Nurse Anesthetist (KRNA) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Registered Ophthalmic Nurse (KROPN) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Registered Mental Health & Psychiatric Nurse (KRMH&PN) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Registered Nurse (KRN) Two Papers May 13, 2026 Paper 1 Paper 2
Kenya Registered Peri-Operative Nurse (KRPON) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Enrolled Community Health Nurse – Basic (KECHN B) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Registered Critical Care Nurse (KRCCN) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Registered Nephrology Nurse (KRNN) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Registered Trauma and Emergency Nurse (KRT&EN) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Registered Neonatal Nurse (KRNeoN) One Paper May 13, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse – Basic (KRCHN B) Two Papers May 14, 2026 Paper 1 Paper 2
Kenya Registered Nurse Midwife (KRN/M) Two Papers May 15, 2026 Paper 1 Paper 2
Kenya Registered Nurse/Mental Health Nurse (KRN/MH) Two Papers May 15, 2026 Paper 1 Paper 2
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Two Papers May 15, 2026 Paper 1 Paper 2
Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BScM) Two Papers May 15, 2026 Paper 1 Paper 2
Kenya Enrolled Midwife (KEM) One Paper May 15, 2026 Paper 1
Kenya Enrolled Nurse (KEN) One Paper May 15, 2026 Paper 1


General Instructions for Candidates

According to the council, each examination paper will run for two hours, with morning sessions starting at 9:00 a.m. and afternoon sessions at 2:00 p.m.

Candidates have been directed to attend a mandatory in-person rehearsal at their designated examination centres and complete both mock exams before being allowed to sit the main examination.

The council said attendance at the rehearsal will only be considered valid if candidates are physically present, sit the mock exam on the examination system, receive their NCK examination card, and sign the attendance register.

NCK Adjusts Examination Venues Ahead of May Nursing Licensure Exams
Nursing students sitting for the Nursing Council of Kenya’s Online Licensure Examination in November 2023. PHOTO/NCK